The National Center of Industrial Biotechnology at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi organized the first AAUR World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Campaign on Monday, bringing together national experts, scientists and students to address rising health risks linked to antibiotic misuse.
Act Now; Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future: Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance Using the One Health Approach was the campaign theme, underlining the need for coordinated action across human, animal and environmental health to limit the spread of resistant infections.
Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman, Vice Chancellor PMAS-AAUR, attended as the Chief Guest, while Prof. Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor of Health Services Academy Islamabad, and Prof. Dr. Shahana Urooj Kazmi, Vice Chancellor IIHIR, participated as Guests of Honour. Representatives from universities, healthcare organisations and research institutes joined a large contingent of students for the campus event in Rawalpindi.
Addressing attendees, Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman stressed the urgency of collective measures to confront Antimicrobial Resistance, noting that without action common infections could become untreatable and routine injuries life threatening. He commended the NCIB team for organising the campaign and urged policymakers, farmers and clinicians to cooperate in promoting responsible antibiotic use.
Keynote speakers and subject experts delivered presentations on the global threat of AMR and the practical steps required to mitigate it. Emphasis was placed on the One Health approach and the interconnected role of zoonotic disease transmission, antibiotic stewardship in agriculture and clinical practice, and environmental safeguards that limit resistant strains.
Participants took part in expert panel discussions and an AMR-themed poster competition that showcased innovative strategies to combat resistance. An awareness walk led by the Vice Chancellor featured informative placards calling for responsible antibiotic use, improved infection prevention and a coordinated national response to Antimicrobial Resistance.
The campaign sought to empower students and local stakeholders with scientific knowledge and practical guidance, reinforcing PMAS-AAUR’s commitment to public health education and sustained action against AMR for the sake of future generations.
