News and Opinions  –  2023

Zambia: March for treatable infections during World AMR Awareness Week

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2023-11-28

During the commemoration of World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW), ReAct Africa actively engaged the community by participating in a march past organized in collaboration with the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI). The event saw enthusiastic participation from various groups, including members of the Women's Christian Fellowship of the Matero United Church of Zambia, who walked alongside young men and women, covering a distance of approximately four kilometers.

Group of church women dressed in red and white standing togheter with a large sign in front of them.
Members of the Matero United Church of Zambia with with Sarah Kalufyanya, Community Engagement Lead at ReAct Africa (in the blue T-shirt). Photo: ReAct Africa.

To adopt a bottom-up approach, the focus was specifically on involving grassroots members from Matero, one of the most densely populated compounds in Lusaka. The presence of these community members received high commendation from every speaker involved, as it exemplified genuine community engagement.

Guidance for mothers on proper use of antibiotics

Few of the women from the church with Sarah Kalufyanya, Community Engagement Lead at ReAct Africa.
Few of the women from the church with Sarah Kalufyanya, Community Engagement Lead at ReAct Africa.

Recognizing the influential role of women as mothers and custodians of health within their homes, the event emphasized the significance of providing mothers with guidance on the proper use of antibiotics. By empowering mothers with this knowledge, they play a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of their families, and they actively transfer this knowledge to their children, the church, and the wider community. This approach aims to create a ripple effect of awareness and responsible antibiotic use, ultimately contributing to healthier communities at large.

Church women brought joy and engagement to the day

The women from the church singing at the WAAW launch event.
The women from the church singing at the WAAW launch event. Photo: ReAct Africa.

The Antimicrobial Resistance National Focal Person for Zambia, Dr. Joseph Chizimu said that the active participation of women was the highlight of the entire World AMR Awareness Week event. Their presence and engagement brought immense joy, and they even took delight in singing together.

The women from the church singing at the WAAW launch event.
The women from the church singing at the WAAW launch event. Photo: ReAct Africa.

Going forward, this has been a very big motivation and they have pledged to go out and be strong ABR champions. The pace has been slow in the past because they had minimal knowledge about antibiotic resistance, but seeing many people gathered for this cause and high-ranking government officials address them, boosted their morale.

The full group of women from the Matero United Church of Zambia. Photo: ReAct Africa.

Proud of the engagement

Mirfin Mpundu, Director, ReAct Africa.

Dr. Mirfin Mpundu, Director ReAct Africa, says

“I am incredibly proud of the engagement and participation we witnessed from the women during the commemoration of WAAW 2023. Their presence and enthusiasm in the walk, their singing and being motivated to become strong champions against AMR is incredibly inspiring. It is a clear indication that our efforts to engage the grassroots and empower women as custodians of health are making a significant impact.

Their pledge to go out and advocate for responsible antibiotic use is a testament to the transformative power of community engagement. We will continue to work tirelessly to support and amplify their voices in the global health challenge of antimicrobial resistance.”

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