The CAMO-Net Uganda hub recently led a community outreach event at Nakawa Market, one of the largest fresh produce markets in Kampala, Uganda. Nakawa Market is home to over 6,000 vendors, making it a key hub for community engagement and public health education on antimicrobial stewardship. Local leaders at Nakawa secured a space within the busy market for the team to conduct the activity.
Dr Hope Mackline, CAMO-Net Uganda’s project manager, led the introductory training for both market vendors and buyers, sharing insights into the causes of AMR and how it can be prevented. She emphasised the small but significant actions people often take that contribute to AMR.
CAMO-Net Uganda partnered with the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Drama Group to create an interactive learning experience. The IDI Drama Team, known as the IDI Ambassadors, is a dynamic group of 16 passionate individuals who use music, dance, and drama as tools to educate and inspire their communities. Initially an HIV awareness initiative, it has since evolved to address various public health threats, including Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
Through music, dance, and acting, the IDI Drama Group brought critical messages about antibiotic misuse to life. Their skits, dances, and poems warned locals about the dangers of self-medication, not following doctors’ instructions on proper dosages, and the common habit of sharing antibiotics with friends and family. They highlighted the importance of always seeking medical advice before taking antibiotics and completing the prescribed course, even if one feels better. The performances also emphasised how AMR can lead to prolonged illness, higher medical costs, and an increased risk of death due to ineffective treatments.
The vendors and shoppers at the market gathered to enjoy the performances while learning valuable lessons about health and the need for responsible antibiotic use. By the end of the day, community members were equipped with the knowledge needed to help reduce the spread of AMR in their daily lives.
Dr Hope Mackline said, “This performance was an incredible opportunity to connect with the community and raise awareness about the importance of responsible antibiotic use. We were thrilled with the enthusiasm and engagement from both the vendors and shoppers. It’s our hope that the knowledge shared today will empower people to make informed decisions that can help prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistance and protect public health in the long term.”
Through initiatives like these, CAMO-Net Uganda continues to raise awareness of AMR at the grassroots level, encouraging individuals to play an active role in addressing this urgent threat to public health. The Nakawa Market combined education with entertainment to effectively communicate the message of proper antibiotic use and the dangers of misuse.
