From homes to hashtags: How Nepal’s youth are fighting Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) may be invisible, but its threat is real and growing. Across Nepal, a wave of young people is rising to confront this global health crises head-on. Armed with training, determination and a sense of responsibility, youth advocates are stepping into classrooms, homes and digital spaces to shift mindsets and change behaviors before it’s too late.

Aligned with both the Global Action Plan and the National Action Plan on AMR, WHO Nepal and NYMAT Nepal, a youth-led advocacy group, launched a nationwide youth-led campaign to educate communities and promote responsible use of antibiotics. With innovative grassroots-driven strategies, the initiative reached and mobilized over 30 000 individuals nationwide.

WHO and NYMAT-Nepal officially launch the campaign following a WHO-led technical session on AMR, marked by the symbolic handover of campaign T-shirts to volunteers. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/S.G.Amatya

Launched in September 2024, the campaign kicked off with an open call for youth participation. A total of 2750 youths aged 18-24, representing all seven provinces, joined the initiative. Of them, 1812 completed the foundational OpenWHO and FAO courses on AMR. 

Following this, participants engaged in a technical session hosted virtually by WHO Nepal, which provided the over 800 participants with advanced insights, grounding their advocacy in evidence-based knowledge. These trained youth volunteers were then mobilized for community awareness programmes including school students, family members and relevant stakeholders.

Youth-led school health programmes proved especially impactful. With 532 school programmes across the country, over 22 000 students were engaged through interactive sessions that helped students understand the risks of AMR and ways to prevent the misuse of antibiotics, an important step in cultivating responsible health behaviors from a young age.

Simran Chapagai (left), 21, a student in Chitwan, Bagmati Province, briefs her family on AMR prevention as part of a “dinner table discussion.” Photo credit: NYMAT-Nepal

Simultaneously, the youth advocates conducted nearly 500 “dinner table discussions,” bringing conversations of AMR into their homes and reaching around 2500 family members in the process. Youth facilitators led meaningful conversations within their families on the responsible use of antimicrobials in humans, animals and agriculture. These discussions brought critical messages into the household setting, fostering family-wide awareness and encouraging more informed and cautious use of antimicrobials across sectors.

Online, the movement took force. Over 1500 social media posts and 450 digital posters were created to amplify AMR-related content, reaching 4.4 million users. A daily AMR quiz series held for 52 consecutive days kept participants engaged, drawing 50 to 200 daily responses. Offline, 45 peer discussions enabled deeper dialogue and shared learning among youth advocates.

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

Importantly, the campaign extended beyond awareness, targeting systemic change through direct engagement with over 400 key stakeholders, including health professionals, veterinarians, educators, farmers and policymakers, strengthening the multi-sectoral approach needed to address AMR effectively.

To ensure sustainability, NYMAT Nepal facilitated the establishment of AMR clubs and networks under the guidance of the National Youth Coalition Against AMR (NYC-AMR). As of May 2025, 28 AMR clubs and three networks operate across all provinces, providing platforms for continued advocacy, learning and action.

“By reaching tens of thousands of students, families and community members, these young leaders have shown the power of informed, grassroots action,” said Dr Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, WHO Representative to Nepal. “Their efforts have helped to change public perception about AMR. WHO Nepal remains committed to empowering young people to lead transformative action and save lives.”

Srashta Wagle, 22, a campaign volunteer, conducts an awareness session with Grade 9 students at Shree Amarsingh Model Higher Secondary School, Kaski district, Gandaki province, Nepal. Photo credit: NYMAT-Nepal

“During my medical studies, I saw frequent use of antibiotics in clinics, which sparked my interest in AMR. I joined the NYMAT–WHO campaign as a core team member, leading social media and awareness efforts. The OpenWHO course deepened my understanding of how resistance is linked to human behavior and the environment. Working with peers from animal and agriculture sectors gave me a clearer view of the One Health approach. This experience has changed how I practice healthcare, and I’m committed to inspiring more youth to take action,” said Anil Manandhar, 22, a health assistant working in Ramechhap, Bagmati Province.

Another participant, Arun Kumar Shah, 24, shared: “My advocacy for AMR began during my pharmacy studies, when I realized many patients were unaware they were taking antibiotics, contributing to the AMR crisis. WHO-led technical sessions deepened my understanding and gave me the confidence to raise awareness. I also participated in “dinner table conversations” with my family, and after just one discussion, I witnessed a shift in their medication habits. This demonstrated the tangible impact of grassroots awareness.”

This youth-driven model proves that with the right tools, knowledge and trust, young people can become fierce protectors of public health and catalysts for systemic change.

This campaign was supported through WHO AMR Fleming Fund Grant.