Empowering Youth to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance: A Pilot Campaign by Nymat Nepal

In a ground breaking initiative, Nymat Nepal successfully launched and implemented a Youth Against AMR (Antimicrobial Resistance) Campaign, aimed at equipping young people with the knowledge to tackle one of the most pressing global health challenges of recent time. This two-month-long campaign, conducted from April to May, served as a pilot study, focusing on youth aged 18-34 in Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City.

The campaign began with a comprehensive training program for peer educators, who were to lead the effort. The training equipped these educators with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively communicate the importance of AMR awareness and prevention.

The peer educators were tasked with conducting a pre-intervention survey among the participants, designed to gauge their baseline understanding of AMR which provided valuable insights into the existing understanding of the issue among the target population.

Following the pre-intervention surveys, the peer educators conducted interactive sessions that focused on the causes and consequences of irrational use of antibiotics to not just individual but the whole community and role that youth can play in raising awareness within their communities. These sessions were designed not just to inform, but to empower participants to become advocates for responsible antibiotic use and champions in the fight against AMR.

Following the educational sessions, a post-intervention survey was conducted to assess the immediate impact of the campaign on the participants' knowledge. The results were encouraging, showing a significant increase in awareness and understanding of AMR. This demonstrated the success of the peer education approach in delivering key messages about the issue.

A follow-up survey was conducted a week after the initial post-intervention assessment. This allowed to track the retention of knowledge over time. The follow-up results confirmed that the participants had not only retained the information but were also more confident in their ability to contribute to the fight against AMR.

This pilot study in Lalitpur has laid the foundation for future campaigns, demonstrating the effectiveness of peer-led education in enhancing youth engagement and understanding of antimicrobial resistance. Nymat Nepal is now looking to expand this initiative to other regions, with the goal of creating a nationwide network of young advocates who are informed, empowered, and ready to make a difference in their communities.

The Youth Against AMR Campaign is a testament to the power of youth-driven action in addressing global health challenges. As this initiative grows, Nymat Nepal remains committed to its mission of empowering young people to lead the charge against antimicrobial resistance, ensuring a healthier future for all.