Kathmandu, November 18

A walkathon was organised jointly by School of Medical Sciences, Valley College of Technical Sciences and Hope International College today as World Antibiotic Awareness Week is being observed across the country.

The walkathon was held to spread awareness of the need to preserve the power of antibiotics through appropriate use. More than 200 participants took part in the event.

“Antibiotics are being used haphazardly and we held the walkathon as part of the campaign to make antibiotic resistance a globally recognised health issue,” said Bhawana Khakurel, event coordinator.

The walkathon that started from Hope International College, Satdobato, passed through Lagankhel, Jawalalkhel, Mahalaxmisthan and ended at the same college.  Every year World Antibiotic Awareness Week is celebrated from November 13 to 19. This year the week is being marked with the theme ‘Seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before taking antibiotics.’

Antimicrobial resistance is the ability of a microorganism (like bacteria, viruses, and some parasites) to stop an antimicrobial (such as antibiotics, antivirals and antimalarials) from working against it. As a result, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist and may spread to others.