KIU Western Campus: Kampala International University's Anti-Microbial Resistance Club (AMR Club of KIU) has organized the second edition of the AMR Run 2023, themed “Spread Awareness, Stop Resistance”.

The AMR run 2023, slated for Saturday, November 04th,2023, will Kick off at 8:00 AM at the KIU western campus basketball court.

The President of the club, Catherine Namulindwa, has expressed that the 2023 AMR run edition seeks to extend its outreach to the Bushenyi district community, beyond the KIU campus.

“This outreach aims to engage various community members such as boda-boda riders, market vendors, and other local groups, all united in their mission to raise awareness about the dangers of AMR and caution the public,” Catherine said.

In addition to the run, the event will feature various activities, including karaoke, quizzes, and the highly anticipated Mr. and Mrs. AMR competition.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a severe concern to human health worldwide, particularly in developing nations with a high burden of infectious diseases like Uganda. It is upon such background that the two clubs have joined efforts to sensitise the masses.

Some of the causes of AMR include Patients' self-medication, Patients not finishing their treatment doses, Improper handling of drugs and disposal, Poor infection control measures, Environmental destruction, Poor sanitation and lack of hygiene, sharing of drugs with livestock, among others.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), AMR causes an estimated 700,000 deaths annually worldwide and every country is potentially affected. The number could grow to 10 million per year by 2050 if AMR is not addressed.

The AMR club of KIU was established on 18th February 2022 in collaboration with the USAIDS Medicines, Technologies and Pharmaceutical Services (MTaPs) with the dedication of creating awareness about the rational use of antimicrobial agents among students and the general public thus curbing the scourge of antimicrobial resistance.

The run is sponsored by several organizations, including the National Drug Authority, Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda, Lango Students Association, Association for Medical Students of KIU, Widespectrum, Equity Bank, MTN Uganda, AMR Stewardship Club of Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Supremacy Enterprises, and Rae the Brand.