Combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
Right now I’m conducting research on the prevalence of antimicrobial self-medication in seven rural communities in Ghana. Antibiotics are purchased and used without the prescription of a physician. Self-medication of antibiotics is associated with the risk of inappropriate drug use which predisposes patients to drug interactions, masking symptoms of an underlying disease and development of microbial resistance. I educate community members on how to use antibiotics properly by following prescriptions and not underusing or overusing them. I tell the people that I meet that antibiotics can’t cure ordinary flu or colds. I take the opportunity to educate people during every day-to-day encounter. Because all of us need to be resistance fighters.