“Change happens when enough people care to act.” As we wrap up 2024, this sentiment rings true for Superheroes Against Superbugs (SaS). This year has been one of immense growth and learning, collective strength, and creative action in our mission to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) across India. With new and diverse allies, fresh approaches, and innovative initiatives, we were committed to addressing this urgent global health threat, directly engaging over 2,000 people through our innovative awareness events and reaching countless others indirectly through our compelling content, advocacy, and creative outreach efforts. All the while ensuring that learning is fun and relatable.
On both global and national fronts, the year brought encouraging breakthroughs in research and policy for AMR. However, the clock is ticking—these measures must be swiftly and equitably implemented, with people’s needs and voices driving the response, if we are to truly turn the tide against this escalating health crisis.
We share here our highlights from 2024 with the hope of building on this momentum to drive even greater impact in the years ahead, while reminding everyone that in the fight against superbugs, we all need to be superheroes!
Empowering Changemakers Through Education
“The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.” – Nelson Mandela
At the heart of SaS are young people and the conviction that education is the most powerful weapon in the fight against AMR. This year, we equipped young minds—from college and school students to healthcare professionals—with creative tools and knowledge they need to become AMR advocates in their communities and spheres of influence.
AMR Guardians of Tomorrow Workshops for Pharmacy Students: In Punjab and Delhi NCR, pharmacy students stepped into the role of AMR stewards. Our interactive workshops, supported by Centrient Pharmaceuticals, equipped them with knowledge to champion responsible antibiotic use in their future practice.
AMR Frontline Workshops for Medical Students: This year, we extended our workshop series for medical students curated in collaboration with Alliance for Pathogen Surveillance Innovations (APSI-India), funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, to New Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, in addition to taking it online with the Association for Scientific and Academic Research (ASAR) for a wider reach. In collaboration with the Department of Medical Education, Karnataka Government, NCBS, Bangalore, TIGS, Bangalore, and APSI-India, this workshop series is now engaging medical students from Government Medical colleges across Bangalore and neighboring cities. These workshops were designed to introduce cutting-edge scientific solutions, including genomic surveillance, alongside essential stewardship practices in a fun and interactive manner, equipping future healthcare leaders to tackle AMR head-on.
AMR Awareness Workshops for UG Science Students: We also hosted workshops for college students in Delhi and Mysore, featuring dynamic discussions, interactive case studies, group activities, and engaging games to create an educational platform that promoted awareness, collaborative learning, and actionable insights to combat AMR effectively.
Resources for teachers: We conducted an online session with Delhi Society for Promotion of Rational Use of Drugs (DSPRUD) for school teachers from different parts of the country to discuss AMR in school classroom settings using various hands-on activities and audio-visual resources developed by the SaS team.
Reflections and insights: To ensure our learnings have lasting impact, we compiled insights into two detailed reports—one for pharmacy students and another for medical students. These reports capture key takeaways, participant feedback, and actionable recommendations to inspire future efforts. Furthermore, educational resources from these workshops will be uploaded on our website soon – stay tuned!
Where Science and Health Meet Art
“Art speaks where words are unable to explain.” – Mathiole
At SaS, we believe advocacy isn’t just about information—it’s about inspiration. This year, we pushed creative boundaries to make AMR resonate with diverse audiences:
SaS at a Literary Festival: At the start of the year, SaS made a vibrant appearance at the Hyderabad Literary Festival (HLF 2024) with its impactful mural developed in collaboration with Dibyush Jena and students of St Ann’s College For Women, serving as a striking reminder of collective action against AMR. Alongside, the Magnetize Your Creativity activity engaged participants in crafting thought-provoking messages, blending art and awareness to promote the fight against superbugs.
AMR Mural in New Delhi: In March, we unveiled our second vibrant mural, crafted with Delhi Street Art, the Embassy of the Netherlands in India, and local students. This artwork situated in the heart of the National Capital stands as a powerful call to action, reminding us that AMR demands collective effort.
Street Theatre on AMR: “Theatre is the art of looking at ourselves.” The student theatre group Yatharth brought AMR to life, staging impactful performances at the mural event and at the National Science Centre in Delhi during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW 2024). Their storytelling captivated audiences, turning the science behind AMR into a shared experience.
Detective Aarya Comic: We introduced Detective Aarya, a fearless protagonist taking on the invisible enemy of superbugs, through a gripping comic, illustrated beautifully by the talented Dibyush Jena. It brought AMR to younger and older audiences alike, blending science education with an engaging narrative to spark curiosity and action..
AMR Storybox: In collaboration with CCMB, Hyderabad, and DoScience, we launched the AMR StoryBox in Hyderabad. This storytelling initiative transported students into the world of superbugs, making science both accessible and inspiring.
Kannada Slogan Competition: In Karnataka, we turned the spotlight on local voices through a Kannada slogan competition during WAAW2024 for our participants of AMR Frontline workshops to share messages on AMR in their native language, helping them appreciate the power of simplifying complex ideas to inspire action.
AMR Illustrated: Our team created a vibrant collection of comics, infographics, and stickers, creatively exploring diverse aspects of AMR and enriching our resource library with engaging awareness materials. You can check these out on Instagram.
Advocacy and Thought Leadership
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
In addition to our social media and blog, 2024 also saw SaS actively contributing to global and local discussions on AMR:
International AMR Conclave at PSGR Krishnammal College For Women: SaS participated at this conclave as a knowledge partner, where it showcased the crucial role of youth in raising awareness and driving change in AMR prevention and control efforts and contributed to a thought-provoking panel discussion on One Health.
UK-India AMR Symposium: We emphasised the value of community engagement and creative communication at this prestigious forum convened by the Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS), UK, and Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), sharing insights and exploring solutions that transcend borders. SaS also contributed to the discussions that resulted in a policy brief and its work was featured as a case study in their report.
ASPICON 2024: SaS took part in a special workshop at the Annual Conference of the Society of Antimicrobial Stewardship Practices in India (ASPICON) meeting at PGIMER, Chandigarh. The session, titled “Investigating the Intersection of Sociocultural Determinants of Health and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)” provided a platform to showcase our work and explore how sociocultural factors contribute to the rise of AMR.
Global South Conference on Infection Prevention and Control (G-SPARC 2024): At the first-ever G-SPARC in Hyderabad, we highlighted the critical role of civil society in combating AMR. Our panel discussion underscored the need for cross-sectoral collaboration to address this complex challenge. SaS also hosted an interactive workshop for medical students at this conference, diving into the science and innovation behind cutting-edge diagnostic tools tackling AMR.
Decoding AMR Series with Nivarana: During WAAW 2024, we partnered with the public health media platform Nivarana to publish a series of articles spotlighting diverse perspectives—from scientists to patient advocates. Together, we painted a comprehensive picture of AMR and the urgent need for collective action.
AMR & Sanitation work: In collaboration with the South Asian Sanitation and Labour Network (SASLN), we hosted a day-long event on National Science Day and a webinar with Nivarana during WAAW 2024, both exploring the intersection of sanitation work and AMR, highlighting the challenges faced by sanitation workers, the backbone of our infection control system, and underscoring the need for equitable healthcare access and antibiotic stewardship in vulnerable communities.
African Youth AMR Forum 2.0: SaS presented its unique educational and engagement approach and contributed to dynamic discussions on youth-led solutions to AMR at this forum held during WAAW 2024. The forum underscored the importance of empowered young voices in shaping the future of AMR stewardship and action, perfectly aligning with our mission.
We published thought-provoking opinion and feature pieces in platforms like Teacher Plus and Nature India, reaching diverse audiences and sparking conversations across the spectrum.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we gear up for 2025, our resolve to combat AMR is stronger than ever. We remain committed to expanding our reach, embracing creativity, challenging the status quo, and forging meaningful collaborations to inspire change.
To everyone who has supported, partnered, or participated in our journey: THANK YOU! Together, we are not just fighting superbugs; we are rewriting the story of AMR – one superhero at a time.
Stay tuned for what’s next, and join us in making a difference. The fight continues, and we’re in it together.