Strengthening AMR response through awareness and education in Nepal

Declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the top ten global public health threats, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) endangers decades of medical progress. The Lancet warns that by 2050, nearly 39 million lives could be lost to infections no longer treatable by antibiotics. For low- and middle-income countries like Nepal, the stakes are even higher.

AMR is not just a health issue; it’s a development challenge. It threatens to derail progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and disproportionately affects countries with limited health-care infrastructure. In Nepal, the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, coupled with poor sanitation and infection prevention and control, have accelerated the spread of drug-resistant infections. Increasing public awareness of AMR is therefore a crucial part of AMR response.

Identifying this need, WHO Nepal, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), has launched a multi-pronged campaign to educate, engage and empower communities and relevant stakeholders across the country. At the heart of this effort is Nepal’s National Action Plan on AMR, which prioritizes education and awareness as key strategies to curb resistance.

Celebration of World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW)

Officials from Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population raising awareness during the commemoration of World AMR Awareness Week 2023 in the premises of the Department of Health Services, under Ministry of Health and Population, Nepal. Photo credit: WHO Nepal

One of the most visible efforts is the annual celebration of World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW), observed in Nepal since 2016 WAAW serves as a crucial opportunity to unite diverse stakeholders, from government bodies and healthcare professionals to communities and media, in a collective effort to confront AMR. Each year, MoHP, supported by WHO and other quadripartite partners, leverages this week to highlight the pressing issue of AMR and reinforce commitments to combat it. Through a coordinated rollout of communication materials tailored to the campaign’s theme and translated into local languages, the week fosters widespread engagement.

Education as a Catalyst for Change

Students at Shikshya Niketan School in Morang district, Koshi Province, Nepal, pose for a photo following an educational session on AMR. Photo credit: NYMAT Nepal

Education is the cornerstone of Nepal’s AMR response. WHO has been supporting various educational and awareness-raising activities for different audiences, including health-care professionals, policymakers and the public. Perhaps one of the most impactful milestones is the integration of AMR into Nepal’s school curriculum. Following a roundtable discussion with education stakeholders, MoHP formally requested the inclusion of AMR topics in primary, secondary and tertiary education. The National Curriculum Board approved the addition of AMR content in textbooks for Grades 9 and 10, ensuring that future generations understand the importance of responsible antimicrobial use. In parallel, WHO Nepal has also supported the development of training modules for healthcare professionals on AMR and Infection prevention and control (IPC). The IPC modules are now included in in-service training programs nationwide, with 240 healthcare staff already trained.

Media as a Messenger

Media interaction programme held on World AMR Awareness Week 2023 in the premises of National Health Training Centre, under Ministry of Health and Population, Nepal. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/A.Maharjan

To amplify AMR-related messages, WHO Nepal has actively engaged the media. In collaboration with MoHP, workshops were held to educate journalists on the health and economic consequences of AMR. These sessions emphasized the media’s role in shaping public opinion and influencing policy. The result: a surge in newspaper articles, radio broadcasts and television segments dedicated to AMR. WHO also contributed to the Global AMR Media Alliance (GAMA) workshop, presenting technical papers and resources to help media professionals report accurately on AMR. This strategic engagement ensures that AMR remains in the public discourse and reaches audiences far beyond the health-care sector. Beyond traditional media, MoHP has strategically utilized mass communication platforms to broaden the reach of its AMR message. Through targeted social media campaigns, distribution of printed IEC materials and locally aired jingles and videos, the initiative has effectively engaged diverse audiences, raising widespread awareness and fostering community involvement in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Youth at the Forefront

An awareness session on Antimicrobial Resistance being conducted by a NYMAT Nepal volunteer in a school in Madhesh province, Nepal. Photo credit: NYMAT Nepal

Understanding the power of youth as change-makers, WHO Nepal launched the “Youth Against AMR Campaign” in partnership with Nymat Nepal. This nationwide initiative mobilized over 1000 trained youth volunteers who conducted awareness programs in schools and communities. Their mission: to promote responsible antibiotic use and hygiene practices among peers, families, and the wider public.

Building on this momentum, WHO Nepal supported an educational campaign targeting school students, a group largely unfamiliar with AMR. Through interactive sessions and engaging materials, more than 500 school programs reached over 22,000 students. These young learners are now equipped to champion AMR awareness in their homes and communities.

A Model for Global Action

Commemoration of World AMR Awareness Week 2023 in the premises of the Department of Health Services, under Ministry of Health and Population, in Nepal. Photo credit: WHO Nepal

Nepal’s comprehensive approach to AMR which is rooted in education, community engagement, media outreach and policy reform offers a blueprint for other nations grappling with this silent pandemic. By empowering individuals with knowledge and fostering systemic change, Nepal is not only protecting its population but also contributing to the global fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Key WHO contributions

• Collaborated with MOHP and other quadripartite agencies for observation of World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) annually.
• Conducted several awareness campaigns for school children in partnership with a youth organization to close knowledge gaps among children.
• Advocacy and awareness programs for health-care providers to support stewardship efforts in healthcare facilities.
• Orientation on AMR to One Health stakeholders.
• Launch of nationwide “Youth against AMR campaign” and community awareness programme. 
• Contributed to development/local adaptation of AMR advocacy and risk communication and community engagement materials
• Advocated stakeholders and authorities from health/education sector for inclusion of AMR in school curriculum.
• Support the development of AMR and IPC learning resource packages and inclusion in in-service training of health-care staff.