Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) has been celebrating the World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week 2023 from November 18-24 to bring antimicrobial resistance (inefficiency) to a tolerable level.
This year's theme is “Let's Fight Antimicrobial Resistance Together,” read a press release.
BNNRC media mobilization as well as 21 community radios running in the country and the community radio has taken the initiative of producing and broadcasting various programmes throughout the week to create public awareness through visual radio.
Radio programmes include PSAs on Prevention of Abuse of Antibiotics and Section 40 (Gha) of the Medicines and Cosmetics Act, 2023 (Fine not exceeding Tk 20 (twenty) thousand for sale of antibiotics or any other medicine without the prescription of a registered physician), interviews, Magazine programs, studio dialogues or interaction programs with the participation of drug dealers, administration, civil society, youth representatives and doctors. In addition to broadcasting on the radio, the programs will be broadcast on the Facebook page of the radio or through YouTube channels.
In these programmes, what are antibiotics and antibiotic resistance, why antibiotic resistance occurs, why antibiotic resistance is increasing, what are the causes of antibiotic resistance, who is more at risk, ways to prevent antibiotic resistance, why antibiotic resistance is important for the implementation of SDG Goal-3 (good health and well-being), Section 40 (Gha) of the Medicines and Cosmetics Act, 2023 (sale of antibiotics or any other medicine without a prescription from a registered physician for more than 20 (twenty) thousand taka), related parties to prevent antibiotic resistance, etc., will be provided with information.
Currently there are 19 community radios and 2 community online radios in the country - Community Radio Padma 99.2FM (Rajshahi), Community Radio Nalta 99.2FM (Kaliganj, Satkhira), Community Lokbetar 99.2FM (Barguna), Community Radio Pallikantha 99 .2FM (Moulvibazar), Community Radio Sagargiri 99.2FM (Sitakund, Chattogram), Community Radio Mahananda 98.8FM (Chapainawabganj), Community Radio Mukti 99.2FM (Bogra), Community Radio Chilmari 99.2FM (Chilmari, Kurigram), Community Radio Jhinuk 99.2FM (Jhenaidah), Community Krishi Radio 99.8FM (Amtali, Barguna), Community Radio Naf 99.2FM (Technaf, Cox's Bazar), Community Radio Sundarbans 98.8FM (Dakop, Khulna), Community Radio Bikrampur 99.2FM ( Munshiganj), Community Barendra Radio 99.2FM (Naogaon), Community Radio Meghna 99.0FM (Charphason, Bhola), Community Radio Sagardeep 99.2FM (Hatia, Noakhali), Community Radio Sarabela 98.8FM (Gaibandha), Community Radio Baral 99 .0FM (Bagha, Rajshahi), Community Radio Saikat 99.0FM (Cox's Bazar), Community Online Radio Dwip, Community Online Radio Bhairav.
It is to be noted that antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a major concern in Bangladesh at present. Because over time, the tendency of bacteria to gain antimicrobial resistance is not decreasing, but increasing.
The biggest reason behind this is the recent excessive use of antibiotics. People turn to antibiotics for minor ailments. Many people in Bangladesh, especially low-income people, go to the pharmacy and buy antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. Others buy prescription drugs but stop taking the drugs before completing the course. They have no idea that as a result of this, his body is becoming antimicrobial resistant and any subsequent infection may not be cured by any medicine.
As a result, antibiotics that were thought ineffective against any bacteria are now no longer effective in many cases. In such a situation, a coordinated and effective initiative of all parties namely, patients, drug buyers and sellers, administration, civil society, youth representatives and doctors are necessary. In this case, the role of media is undeniable.
BNNRC continues various activities to engage with national-level media (print, electronic, online) journalists and media-related policymakers (managing editor, executive editor, news editor, chief correspondent), provide training to reporters, and publish and disseminate media reports. Several reports have been published and circulated on this subject.
Various activities are being conducted with health journalists working in the media regarding the issue. Moreover, activities are being conducted through the Communicable Disease Control Program of the Department of Health through regular communication.
It is hoped that the celebration of World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week 2023 initiated by BNNRC will increase the awareness of antimicrobial resistance among the public in the broadcasting areas of community radios and reduce the trend of indiscriminate use of antibiotics.
