2017-12-08
ReAct Asia Pacific launched a photography contest for students from India, on the occasion of World Antibiotics Awareness Week 2017. The themes for the contest were broad, and included antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic abuse, One-health approach and Food as Medicine. The aim of the contest was to spread the awareness about the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in India and the world.
The contest received entries from all across the country, including some prestigious medical schools. Though it was open to students from any background, most of the entries were from medical schools. Most of the entries were colourful and imaginative, which showed the creative potential of the students. Also, the themes were explored in depth and the messaging of the photos were nuanced.
The entries were adjudicated by Klever Calle and Silvina Alessio, ReAct Latin America and Nirmal George Koshy, Health Communication Expert, India. All of them praised the quality of entries and the power of the messages contained in the pictures. Klever Calle, ReAct Latin America, said:
“It is nice that the students are actively engaged in increasing awareness on antibiotic resistance and find solutions to this complex issue as well. These are very good pictures and messages. It was nice to be part of this experience.“
The prizes for best entries were given to the following students
Themes for the contest:
The themes for the contest were broad, and included antibiotic resistance, antibiotic abuse, One-health approach and Food as Medicine.
Best entry
Aashay Pande, 2nd year Medical (MBBS) student, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India.
Aashay Pande says:
“The themes were very challenging. I have never come across any photo contest themes like that. They needed creativity and a lot of thinking. I enjoyed clicking those photos a lot.”
First runner-up
Nitin Kaushik, 3rd year Medical (MBBS) student, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India.
Second runner-up
Faheem Vellekkat, Final year Medical (MBBS) student, Indira Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute, Puducherry, India.
Contest for action on antibiotic resistance
ReAct Asia Pacific is giving out certificates of appreciation and small cash prizes (INR 10000, 6000, 4000 respectively) for encouraging these students. The contest was organised to further the mission of engaging students on action on antibiotic resistance, along with various professional bodies and interest groups. ReAct Asia Pacific is planning to establish “Antibiotics Awareness” clubs in educational institutions, to increase awareness about antibiotic resistance and promote leadership in the action on antibiotic resistance in a vast country like India.