The importance of antimicrobial stewardship: An undergraduate perspective

Abstract

In this opinion paper, the author reflects on a transformative experience attending an antimicrobial stewardship workshop that shifted their perception of the looming crisis of antimicrobial resistance. The author emphasises the critical need for greater awareness and education at all levels of society, from healthcare professionals to the general population, to truly comprehend the severity of this issue. Drawing parallels between antimicrobial resistance and more recognised threats such as cancer, the author advocates for a multidisciplinary approach and heightened emphasis on education to foster responsible antimicrobial use. They propose practical strategies, including integrating stewardship principles into medical education and advocating for preventive measures such as vaccination. Ultimately, this paper urges individuals to embrace their roles as stewards of antimicrobials and to seize the opportunity to effect change for the betterment of humanity.

Contribution: This opinion paper emphasises the urgent need for greater awareness and education on antimicrobial stewardship. It underscores the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and proposes practical strategies, particularly in healthcare education. These insights align with the journal’s scope of advancing healthcare education, policy, and addressing global health challenges regarding infectious diseases.