Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a global health challenge that threatens the effectiveness of antibiotics, which are vital for treating infections. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), AMR could result in 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if urgent action is not taken. In Nigeria, the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, self-medication, and lack of awareness about AMR exacerbate the problem. These practices, coupled with widespread myths surrounding drug use, contribute to the increasing prevalence of resistant infections.
Recognizing the need to address this issue at the grassroots level, our project was designed to educate and empower community members in Sokoto State, a region with limited access to AMR-related information. The advocacy outreach was carried out in Hajia Halima Market, Sokoto’s largest and most bustling marketplace. The market provided an excellent platform to reach a diverse audience, including traders, buyers, and people from various socio-economic backgrounds.
The project objectives were simple:
1. To educate at least 120 individuals in Hajia Halima Market, Sokoto, about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by providing one-on-one sensitization using pre- and post-assessment questionnaires on November 22, 2024.
2. Distribute 300 fliers, 5 placards, and 4 posters during the outreach to amplify awareness of AMR and responsible antimicrobial use among the wider market population.
3. Achieve an 80% improvement in knowledge of AMR and antibiotic use among participants, as measured by pre- and post-assessment questionnaire results.
4. Address and debunk at least five common myths and unsafe practices regarding antimicrobial use, such as self-medication, incomplete dosage, and reliance on local herbal mixtures.
5. Ensure the campaign’s message extends to at least 1,000 indirect beneficiaries, including bystanders and customers of sensitive individuals, by leveraging ripple-effect communication through shared discussions and distributed materials.