Ibraheem Olasunkanmi Qoseem, a youth corps member serving in Ilesha, Osun State, has successfully trained high school students from five secondary schools as peer educators on antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The training sessions, held at First Class High School, Ogedengbe School of Science, Owa-Obokun Agunlejika High School, Ifeoluwa C&S, and Holy Trinity High School, reached over 250 students.
Ibraheem explained, “This training is part of my ongoing efforts to localize antimicrobial resistance education. I have visited ten communities in both rural and urban areas to educate residents on the dangers of drug misuse and abuse, and to empower them to promote the responsible use of antimicrobial drugs.”
He also highlighted that the informal health sector, particularly patent medicine vendors who provide access to antimicrobial drugs, have been engaged with training on global best practices.
Emphasizing the importance of involving young people in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, he said, “Children, when equipped with the right information, can become agents of positive change within their schools and communities. They can even remind their parents to avoid improper drug use. We all know how curious and observant children can be when it comes to applying knowledge.”
Expressing optimism about the potential impact of the training, Qoseem stated, “If students can be influenced negatively by their peers, they can also wield that same influence positively by promoting antimicrobial resistance education.”
The comprehensive training program included a knowledge evaluation platform where ten of the fifty trainees from each school were selected to present what they had learned. The top three presenters were awarded certificates of excellence, recognizing them as AMR champions, and were given the opportunity to present to the rest of the student body during assembly.
The Principal of Ogedengbe School of Science commended Qoseem for simplifying the concept of antimicrobial resistance in a way that students could easily understand. He added that the educational materials provided would serve as a lasting resource to guide the students’ actions.
Mr. Ali Joel, a teacher at First Class High School, praised the program, calling it a valuable learning experience for both students and teachers. He appreciated Qoseem for giving their students the opportunity to contribute to the global fight against antimicrobial resistance and assured him of the school’s commitment to continuing AMR education.
