Youth as the Driving Force Against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

(In collaboration with ReAct Asia Pacific)

Hi, FamilIAAS! Did you know that Antimicrobial Resistance, or AMR, is one of the biggest global health challenges of our time? It happens when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites stop responding to medicines, making infections harder to treat. In 2019 alone, AMR was linked to nearly five million deaths around the world, and 1.27 million of those were directly caused by drug-resistant infections. In Indonesia, more than 34,000 deaths were connected to AMR. So this is not a faraway issue, it’s already happening around us.

Yet, despite how serious it is, AMR still doesn’t get as much attention as other global topics like climate change or artificial intelligence. Why? Because it’s invisible and complicated. People rarely think about antibiotic resistance until it hits close to their beloved ones. But here’s the good news, young people like us have the power to change that. Youth like us are digital natives, communicators, and problem-solvers who can make AMR awareness fun, engaging, and meaningful.

Youth participation is vital in tackling AMR through the One Health approach, which connects human, animal, and environmental health. In agriculture, antibiotics are sometimes misused to boost animal growth, creating resistant bacteria that spread through food and the environment. In communities, habits like self-medication or not finishing antibiotics make the problem worse. That is why young people can play an important role by promoting responsible antibiotic use, leading awareness campaigns, and supporting better health policies.

Collaboration between generations is also essential. Senior experts offer experience and knowledge, while youth bring creativity and energy. However, participation should not be symbolic. Young people need real chances to take part in research, join AMR task forces, and contribute to long-term solutions.

www.who.int/drugresistancce | World Health Organization (WHO)

To make an impact, start with three simple actions. First, raise awareness creatively through social media. Second, get involved in research or develop innovative ideas, such as herbal or probiotic alternatives. Third, build networks by collaborating with initiatives like ReAct Asia Pacific, WHO, or FAO to learn, share, and grow together.

Indonesia is already taking action too. The government, together with WHO, has launched a national survey on bloodstream infections across hospitals and labs. The Ministry of Health is also preparing the 2025–2029 National Strategy for Controlling AMR, which highlights the importance of community awareness and collaboration across sectors. When science meets youth energy, amazing things can happen.

At the end of the day, AMR isn’t just a medical issue, it’s a social challenge. It’s about how we care for our health, our animals, and our environment. So, FamilIAAS, let’s lead the change. With creativity, teamwork, and passion, we can turn awareness into real action. The AMR movement starts with us, right here, right now. Because protecting tomorrow’s health begins with what we do today. (IAN)

Author: Muhammad Alfiansyah

Dr. Salman Khan – Youth Engagement Consultant at ReAct Asia Pacific & a Doctor  I think a lot of people hear “antimicrobial resistance” and immediately switch off because it sounds like this heavy medical jargon reserved for doctors, scientists, or maybe someone in a white coat with very thick glasses. But AMR is actually everyone’s business. Why? Because it doesn’t matter if you’re a doctor in a hospital or a student chilling at a café, if antibiotics stop working, they stop working for all of us.

Jessica Ruth G. Osias, RPh, MSPh – Technical Programs, Vice-Chair, Young Pharmacists Group (YPG) & a Food-Drug Regulation Officer As a young pharmacist, my role is to advocate for the rational use of antimicrobials, promote awareness among peers and communities, and help bridge clinical practice with responsible stewardship through Young Pharmacists Group (YPG) – Philippines. Young professionals bring fresh energy and networks that can strengthen education, advocacy, and collaboration.

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