Art, education and community unite to address antibiotic resistance in Colombia
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2024-10-23
In October 2024 ReAct Latin America released its report on the "Mother Earth, One Health: Art, Education and Antimicrobial Resistance" conference it had organized earlier this year in the city of Medellín, Colombia.
The ground breaking international event brought together artists, educators, scientists, and community members to tackle one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time: antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The event aimed to foster a holistic approach to AMR by integrating art, play, and community engagement with scientific knowledge and public health strategies.
Participants at the meeting in Medellín, Colombia. Photo: ReAct Latin America.“
Arturo Quizphe, Director, ReAct Latin America.
We need a paradigm shift in how we approach health problems, considering the links between different ecosystems and promoting holistic solutions that involve communities and social organizations,”
said Dr. Arturo Quizhpe, director of ReAct Latin America, in his opening remarks.
The conference kicked off at the University of Antioquia, where participants engaged in discussions about the One Health approach, the microbial world, and bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
Dancing with Bacteria
A highlight was the presentation of a new metaphor for understanding our relationship with bacteria – “Dancing with Bacteria” – which aimed to replace the prevalent “war” metaphor often used in discussions about microbes.
Sustainable food systems and their role in promoting healthy microbiomes
The second day, held at the Belén Library Park, focused on sustainable food systems and their role in promoting healthy microbiomes. Participants toured community gardens, attended workshops on urban agriculture, and shared a communal meal prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. The day concluded with a mesmerizing dance performance titled “Medicine Woman,” which explored themes of healing and the interconnectedness of all life.
Play and artistic expression as tools for health education
Artistic expression as tools for health education. Photo: ReAct Latin America.
The final day at the Canchimalos Cultural Center was dedicated to play and artistic expression as tools for health education. Children and adults alike participated in traditional games adapted to teach about microbial life and the proper use of antibiotics.
Play as tool for health education. Photo: ReAct Latin America.
Music workshops, storytelling sessions, and collaborative art projects reinforced the message that creativity and joy are essential components of community health.
Throughout the event, experts emphasized the urgent need to address antibiotic resistance, which currently claims an estimated 1,27 million lives annually worldwide. Speakers highlighted how factors such as environmental pollution, intensive animal farming, and lack of adequate public policies exacerbate the crisis.
Community empowerment in addressing AMR
Nathalie El Omeiri, a representative from the Pan American Health Organization, stressed the importance of community empowerment in addressing antibiotic resistance.
“This is not a task that can be delegated solely to health organizations. Only empowered communities and conscious individuals can effectively face this challenge,” she stated.
The conference also showcased innovative research and initiatives. One notable study, published in Science in 2016, demonstrated how training informal healthcare providers in rural West Bengal, India, could improve health outcomes and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.
Combine art, science and community wisdom to create powerful solutions
“This conference has shown us that by combining art, science, and community wisdom, we can create powerful solutions to even the most complex health challenges,”
remarked Lorena Libertti from the People’s University.
