National Science Centre & World Animal Protection Join Hands to Raise Awareness on Careless Use of Antibiotics in Animal Farming

National Science Centre and World Animal Protection recently collaborated to raise awareness on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), commonly known as Superbug, which is causing health concerns worldwide. This awareness drive successfully sensitised over 40,000 people during a month-long campaign. It culminated in a panel discussion followed by a poster-making workshop in partnership with “Superheroes Against Superbugs.”

Dr. Sangeeta Sharma, Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology at the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) and Honorary President of the Delhi Society for the Promotion of Rational Use of Drugs (DSPRUD), moderated the panel discussion, which included Dr. Vijay Pal Singh, a Veterinarian at the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology; Dr. Rajeshwari Sinha, Programme Manager at the Centre for Science and Environment.

Over 300 students participated in the discussion and asked questions about the topic while pledging to become Superheroes against Superbugs.

Mr Sharma stressed the need to understand the food system to understand the problem of Superbugs. He explained that the intensive animal farming model is not sustainable and needs strategic interventions at all levels. The welfare of animals can't be ignored for the betterment of animals, people, and the planet.

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Mr Sharma went on to say that the chicken farming industry's primary goal is to maximise profits by encouraging intensive animal farming practices. This results in the irrational usage of antibiotics to accelerate chicken growth. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and other public and animal health hazards result from this reckless usage of antibiotics. "All stakeholders must act immediately to ensure responsible antibiotic use and to integrate animal welfare into animal farming practises."

Dr. Sangeeta Sharma discussed how antibiotics are used as medical treatments without due consideration for their influence on human health. She also created a contrast between good and bad germs for the pupils to better grasp. "The discovery of antibiotics was one of humanity's greatest achievements; however, antibiotics are currently being misused in medical practice.

" Antibiotics are being dispensed irresponsibly by practitioners and pharmacists; treatment is being replaced with self-medication and unaware propagation of the use we all witnessed during the pandemic, leading to resistance and any other issue as it kills the good bacteria we need in our bodies," said Dr. Sangeeta Sharma, Prof. Dept. of Neuropsychopharmacology.

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Dr. Vijay Pal Singh highlighted that animals are part of our ecosystem and food cycle and should be respected. There are ways to reduce antibiotic use on them, but due to rising demand, which means a per-day loss for the owner or the farmer, there is a concern about how antibiotics are used more as preventive means than cure. Only awareness among people, veterinarians, farmers, and livestock owners can bring a change. It’s time to call for the rational use of antibiotics, which has a minimal negative impact on our environment.

Dr. Rajeshwari Sinha explained that education and awareness are the tools to empower the youth and make them responsible citizens of the future. She also stated that such themes that are topical and have a long-term impact should be pursued by the National Science Centre. This will be food for thought for our future scientists, doctors, researchers, or enlightened individuals empowered to make progressive judgements.

Over 300 children actively participated in the debate, asking questions and pledging to become Superheroes against Superbugs. The experts emphasized the need for immediate attention from all stakeholders.

Source-ANI

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