AWARENESS PROGRAMMES BEING OBSERVED DURING WORLD ANTIMICROBIAL AWARENESS WEEK 2025 (18TH- 24TH NOVEMBER) BY ICAR-CIFRI
25th November, 2025 Barrackpore, West Bengal.
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2025 was successfully observed from 18-24th November 2025, centred around the global theme, Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future. A series of programmes were organised for the institute’s trainees, farmers, college students and staff with the objective of enriching their understanding of AMR, its impact on human, animal, and aquatic health, and the vital role of responsible antimicrobial use in fisheries and aquaculture in mitigating the burning issue. Under the guidance of Dr. B. K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, all events were managed by Dr. A. K. Sahoo, Principal Scientist and Dr. A. K. Bera, Principal Scientist, Dr. Palash Ghorai, Young Professional-II and Miss Anushka Das, Young Professional-I.
On 18.11.2025, “World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2025” was inaugurated at ICAR-CIFRI, in Barrackpore among the trainee participants. The event commenced with a brief inaugural session, during which the participants were introduced to the theme of AMR Awareness Week. Dr. A. K. Bera, Principal Scientist and Co-PI of AINP-AMR project highlighted the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance across sectors and the importance of adopting a “One Health” approach—linking human, animal, and environmental health. Informative leaflet was distributed among the trainees and interactive sessions were conducted by scientists and resource persons from ICAR-CIFRI. The programme significantly enriched the trainee’s knowledge of AMR and awareness on antimicrobial misuse. Participants expressed that the event helped them to recognise their role in preventing AMR development, promoting sustainable aquaculture practices, and safeguarding ecosystem health.
On 21.11.2025, an awareness programme was organised at Sasya Shyamala Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sonarpur in the presence of Dr.Swagat Ghosh, Head KVK, Dr. Tapas Ghosal, Head ICAR-CIFE, Saltlake center, Dr.Samiran Bandyopadhyay, Principal Scientist of ICAR-ERS, IVRI and Dr. Sabaswarup Ghosh, SMS aimed to enlighten farmers and trainee participants on the growing challenge of AMR and promote responsible practices in agriculture and aquaculture. Nearby 200 pamphlets on Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness were distributed to educate the public about this worldwide concern. Dr. A. K Bera, Principal Scientist and Dr. Palash Ghorai, Young Professional-II delivered a speech highlighting the urgent need for awareness at the grassroots level, especially among farmers who play a crucial role in preventing the misuse of antimicrobials. The AMR Awareness programme yielded a positive impact on all participants. Farmers and trainees showed a better understanding of antimicrobial resistance and indicated their willingness to adopt safer farming practices. Overall, the programme contributed meaningfully to capacity building at the community level.
On 24.11.2025, a mass programme was organised at Barrackpore Rastraguru Surendranath College, where all the college students and faculty members were sensitized about the causes and consequences of antimicrobial resistance and role of responsible practices in safeguarding health. The programme began with a warm welcome, followed by an introduction to the significance of AMR and its impact on human, animal, and environmental health. Students were encouraged to think critically about how everyday choices, including the use of antibiotics, can influence the spread of resistance. Expert from ICAR-CIFRI, Dr. A. K. Bera, Principal Scientist and Dr. Palash Ghorai, Young Profession-II delivered a speech on basics of AMR, environmental concerns, spread of AMR, preventive measure and responsible use antibiotics and global and national initiatives into One Health strategies and national action plans to combat AMR. Informative leaflet was distributed among 150 participants of microbiology departments who actively participated in discussions, shared their views, and asked thought-provoking questions, making the sessions highly interactive. The event successfully heightened awareness among students about the dangers of antimicrobial resistance. Participants learned practical strategies for responsible antibiotic use, hygiene, and preventive care. By engaging young minds, the programme contributed to the ongoing efforts to combat AMR and promote sustainable health practices in line with the One Health approach.
The AMR Awareness Week programmes at ICAR-CIFRI, KVK Sonarpur, and Surendranath College successfully educated nearabout 500 trainees, farmers, and students about antimicrobial resistance. Participants gained knowledge on responsible antibiotic use, hygiene, and preventive practices, promoting the One Health approach.