Trinity ‘goes blue’ for World Antimicrobial Awareness Week

Medical student Isabella Aitchison, founder of Trinity AMR Action Group, said:

It’s thrilling to see Trinity ‘go blue’. Antimicrobial resistance – when bacteria evolve to evade drugs, making them less and less effective – is serious and will get worse if we don’t act now.

Former Chief Medical Officer for England, Dame Sally Davies, who works to raise awareness and put in place measures to stop drug resistance worldwide, said:

Due to COVID we know firsthand how our lives can be impacted by a public health crisis. Antimicrobial resistance is happening, and it is serious.

Everyone has a role to play, from citizens knowing that colds and flu cannot be alleviated by antibiotics, to GPs prescribing these drugs only when necessary.

There have been trials in GP surgeries, with doctors issuing prescriptions that provide no drugs but acknowledge that you are unwell. That is just one example – there are a raft of measures needed worldwide.

If we take action now, we can stop antimicrobial resistance from getting worse – and protect lives around the world, now and in the future.

The former Chief Medical Officer for England and Wales paid tribute to the Trinity students organizing this year’s World Antimicrobial Awareness Week at the College.

Isabella Aitchison said she was inspired to set up Trinity’s AMR Action Group after learning about antibiotic resistance and reflecting on a traumatic experience as a child. Then, she remembers her mother becoming ill and be admitted to hospital.

I wasn’t told what was wrong with her – at the time I was only seven years old. Later I found out she had sepsis, a quite common and very serious infection. Mum nearly died. Thankfully the doctor found the right drugs for her just in time. Antibiotics saved my Mum – that’s why I’m raising awareness about antimicrobial resistance.

Photos: David Rose