Introduction to the Event

The guest speaker, Dr. Vikas Deswal is a renowned Infectious disease specialist working as senior consultant, at Medanta- The Medicity, Gurugram. He is a passionate educator and speaker with a national and international teaching experience in AMR, AMS and Infectious diseases through CMEs and Conferences. He is involved in various research projects as PI and Co-PI with reputed institutes like ICMR, CSIR, MIER, CMC Vellore, Montefiore medical centre and John Hopkins. He has 27 publications to his credit in various national and international indexed journals including Lancet. The CME was introduced by Dr. Manisha Khandait, Prof and Head Microbiology, FMHS. The CME was concluded by The Dean FMHS, Dr. Sansar Chand Sharma.

Objective of the Event

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial agents. As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.

The World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) is a global campaign to raise awareness and increase understanding of AMR and to promote global action to tackle the emergence and spread of drug-resistant pathogens. As one of WHO’s official health campaigns, WAAW is mandated by the World Health Assembly and is commemorated annually from 18 to 24 November. The theme for WAAW 2025 is “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future.”

This theme underscores the urgent need to take bold, united action to address AMR. AMR is already harming our health, food systems, environment and economies. It’s not a future challenge. It is happening now. Drug-resistant infections are increasing, yet awareness, investment and action are still falling short. Strengthening surveillance, ensuring equitable access to quality medicines and diagnostics, fostering innovation and building resilient systems all require long-term commitment and resources. Investment in AMR action is a smart move for a safer, healthier future.

Benefit in Terms of Learning/Skill/Knowledge Obtained

The CME helped the audience understand the importance of Antimicrobial stewardship, Diagnostic stewardship and Antimicrobial resistance through various case studies presented by Dr. Vikas Deswal. The CME was also followed by a question answer session. Overall it was a great learning experience for everyone. A few photographs of the event are placed as an enclosure.