Students at Chea Sim University of Kamchaymear. ©FAO/Oum Pisey

"Today, I've learned about the consequences of antimicrobial resistance, knowledge I never had before. It is crucial to impart this understanding to younger generations, shaping a future where antimicrobial resistance is understood and combatted from an early age."

This was the feedback from Chamroeu Channit, a student at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, and one of 200 students who gathered in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 20 November, to observe World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW).

WAAW is a global event held annually from 18-24 November. It is aimed at raising awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and its related threats and promoting prudent use of antimicrobials.  Cambodia has celebrated the WAAW for three consecutive years since 2021 to help increase awareness and understanding of AMR among general public in the country.

The celebrations this year were organized collaboratively by the Institute of technology of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Health, and One Health University Network (a student-led body which works on One Health and zoonosis). Institutions that were involved also included the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Royal University of Agriculture, Kampong Cham National Institute of Agriculture, Chea Sim University of Kamchaymear, which jointly conducted the WAAW events.

Cambodia has observed WAAW annually since 2021 and this year, the day was commemorated under the global theme, Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together. The events included speeches, presentations on AMR and quizzes to encourage interaction and information sharing on AMR.

Speaking at the function, the rector of the Institute of Technology (ITC) cited youth as agents of change who can play a key role in sharing information and encouraging good practices to reduce the spread of AMR.

“I am honoured and pleased to have Institute of Technology of Cambodia’s teams involved in this WAAW event. Obviously, health security is of primary concern to all of us. We have been concerned about the ill-effects of AMR for years while the effective solutions have remained unclear for many people.  Awareness raising on AMR to students and faculty staff and concerned institutions is believed to be effective for reducing AMR among Cambodian families. They can be agents for spreading information and encouraging other people to learn about AMR and contributing to better health security for our society,” said the rector of the Institute of Technology, His Excellency, Po Kintho.  

“AMR issue is still a global, regional and national threat to human health, environment and economy. as a consequence of the misuse of antibiotics in humans, plants, and animals. In Cambodia in 2019, there were 3 200 deaths attributable to AMR and 13 400 associated with AMR. Only collective action will prevail and help to reduce incidences of AMR,” said Pisey Oum, Technical Specialist at FAO.

The events this year held not only at ITC, but also at Chea Sim University in Prey Veng province on 22 November, had participation from students, academics, scientists, researchers, and representatives from sectors related to livestock production. 

“We are thrilled to be part of this remarkable event for the first time and for me, I am eager to share the newfound knowledge with peers and family,” Mrs. Hoeng Sreytoch, a student at the Institute of Technology said.

Recognizing the power of social media, she emphasized the need to amplify awareness on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram and to expand reach to those platforms which can have a significant impact in involving youth in the fight against antimicrobial resistance."

The WAAW campaign is led globally by FAO, the World Organization for Animal Health, World Health Organization and United Nations of the Environment.  In Cambodia, the support from FAO was provided under the Action to support implementation of Codex AMR Texts (ACT), which is funded by the Republic of Korea and the Engaging the food and agriculture sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa, and South and Southeast Asia to generate data-for-action to combat antimicrobial resistance using a One Health approach project, which is funded by the government of the United Kingdom through the  Fleming Fund.