The Founder of Art for Health Initiative, Chidera Aneke, says art can raise awareness of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and inspire collective action to preserve the effectiveness of life-saving medicines.

Aneke, a health advocate, said this in a statement ahead of the second edition of ‘Microbe Madness 2.0’, scheduled for Nov. 18 in Lagos.

According to her, protecting the future of medicine requires collective effort and public participation.

“Everyone has a role to play, and our contribution is to make health information accessible through art, creativity and innovative storytelling.

“Art has a way of carrying messages across generations. We want people to enjoy the experience, connect with the stories and leave with one action they can take to protect our shared future.”

She said the event, supported by DRASA, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) and BNL Healthcare, would feature about 15 artists exploring the theme, “One Action for Our Future”.

Aneke said the event would encourage participants to recognise their role in preserving the effectiveness of medicines for future generations.

She explained that AMR occurred when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to medicines used to treat them, making infections harder or sometimes impossible to treat.

She said AMR threatened the effectiveness of life-saving medicines and increased the risks associated with medical procedures, including surgery.

Aneke said Microbe Madness 2.0 would use creative experiences to improve public understanding of AMR, infection prevention and responsible medicine use.

“Visitors will experience an art exhibition, animation, drama, music and interactive games designed to spark conversations about AMR, infection prevention and responsible medicine use.

“A dedicated mental health corner will also exhibit artworks from the organisation’s ‘What We Carry’ workshop, creating space for reflection on emotional wellbeing alongside the event’s AMR focus,” she said.

Aneke said the Lagos edition would build on the inaugural event held in Enugu in 2024, continuing efforts to connect public health information with everyday experiences through art and storytelling.

According to her, the event coincides with the opening day of World AMR Awareness Week, observed from Nov. 18 to Nov. 24.

She said it would also precede the fifth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR, scheduled to hold in Abuja from Dec. 6 to Dec. 8.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru