Theatre for Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness

Residents of Bauleni Compound in Lusaka have thanked the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) for educating and sensitising them on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). CIDRZ in collaboration with Amsterdam University with funding from the Wellcome Trust, worked with Grade 10 pupils at Bauleni Special Needs School in Lusaka to develop a fun and exciting theatre performance titled “Germ World” to educate mothers with children under five years on AMR.

Speaking during the theatre performance at the School, Hellen Namusamba, 27-year-old mother of two, said she has been self-prescribing medicine to her children, stating that the drama performance on AMR is an awakening call to adopt better health seeking behaviours. Another parent, Monica Banda, aged 36, appreciated the drama performance, saying that it has helped her understand the dangers of self-prescribing drugs.

Ruth Nematode, aged 25, said most people in her community lacked knowledge of AMR, contributing to misuse of antimicrobials.