Refath Farzana, lead for IOI’s BALANCE project has developed an online trivia game-based campaign to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) amongst young people in Bangladesh.
The inappropriate use of antibiotics in Bangladesh, for example, through self-prescription is common in Bangladesh, and the lack of awareness about AMR has been identified as a key reason for this. A study conducted in Bangladesh reveals that approximately 27% of individuals engage in self-prescription of antibiotics.
To enhance awareness about the meaning, causes and impact of AMR, Refath partnered with Softograph, a technology company based in Bangladesh, to create a virtual game to engage young people.
The trivia game immerses players in real-life scenarios that may or may not require antibiotic treatment. It encourages users to make informed choices about treatment options to guide them towards a ‘recovery’ by the end of the game. This enables players to learn about different aspects of AMR in a fun and engaging way.
IOI’s BALANCE study compares infection rates and deaths caused by multi-drug-resistant infections in low- and middle-income countries with those of high-income countries. Three hospitals in Bangladesh are enrolled in this study. Our findings reveal that the most commonly identified organisms in bloodstream infections (BSIs) within hospitals in Bangladesh are Acinetobacter spp., followed closely by Escherichia coli. 95% of Acinetobacter spp. and 63% of Escherichia coli infections are resistant to carbapenem, an important last-resort antibiotic.
I have seen how hard it is for doctors to explain the meaning of antibiotic resistance to patients and their families. The language used to describe AMR is often laced with jargon and the subject is, by its nature, highly complex.
The game aims to highlight the importance of responsible antibiotic use and broader antimicrobial stewardship. Each answer offers participants an educational takeaway, transforming an essential health topic into an accessible and interactive experience.
The game can be accessed here. Future versions will include translations into local languages to reach a wider audience.