Sustaining Youth-Led AMR Action Beyond Campaigns
As we ease into a new year of action and strategic period (2026 – 2030), we are taking a deliberate moment to examine what meaningful
January 15, 2026
Youths for AMR Risk Communication and Action (YARC-AMR)
Empowering young leaders to champion antimicrobial stewardship and drive community action against AMR
Project Summary
Youths for AMR Risk Communication and Action (YARC-AMR) is a global capacity-building initiative that strengthens antimicrobial resistance (AMR) education, risk communication, and youth-led action across Africa and other LMICs. AMR remains a growing public health threat, driven by low awareness and inappropriate antimicrobial use in many communities. YARC-AMR addresses this gap by equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and tools to serve as effective AMR communicators and advocates. Through training, campaigns, and community engagement, youth leaders promote antimicrobial stewardship across schools, farms, healthcare settings, and underserved populations. The initiative has built a vibrant, cross-country youth network advancing AMR mitigation within a One Health framework. In 2025, this project received the 2025 Antibiotic Guardian Award (Public Engagement Category) from the United Kingdom Health Security Agency.
90
Youth champions trained on AMR risk communication via the train-the-trainer approach
525
Youth volunteers trained and engaged by the youth champions
23
Experts engaged as trainers on AMR interventions and risk communication
23
Experts engaged as trainers on AMR interventions and risk communication
90
Youth champions trained on AMR risk communication via the train-the-trainer approach
525
Youth volunteers trained and engaged by the youth champions
23
Experts engaged as trainers on AMR interventions and risk communication
3
Training guides/brochures developed for AMR risk communication
6
Countries reached (Nigeria, Jordan, Cameroon, Malaysia, Rwanda and Tanzania)
23
Nigerian states reached through trained youth networks
48
Communities reached with AMR risk communication messages
81
Secondary schools engaged across Nigeria
31,585
Children reached with AMR risk communication messages in secondary schools
60,067
People reached with AMR risk communication messages in-person
7,666,122
Total people reached with AMR risk communication messages in-person and via social media, webinars, and radio shows
1
International Awards/Recognition Antibiotic Guardian Award
Project Components
The Sustainable Impact Resource Guide and Toolkit is being developed through six key phases
1
Phase 1 - WAAW AMR Communication
The WAAW AMR Communication Phase 1 engaged youth across Africa through training, co-creation, and mini-grant support. Trained champions developed context-specific AMR materials and led community education and advocacy activities during WAAW 2024, reaching schools, health centers, farms, and media platforms.
2
Phase 2 - WASH off AMR
The WASH Off AMR campaign strengthened AMR and WASH education in 81 Nigerian secondary schools through youth-led outreach, co-created risk communication materials, and donations of essential hygiene supplies. Trained youth leaders conducted school assessments, delivered tailored AMR/WASH education, and established AMR clubs to sustain long-term awareness and behavior change.
3
Phase 3 - WAAW AMR Communication
We provided advanced communication training focused on engaging neglected and marginalised groups, including NEET youth, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, and rural farmers. As in Phase 1, champions will co-develop tailored communication materials and receive mini-grants to lead AMR education initiatives in
4
Phase 4 and Beyond (Project Sustainability)
Building on lessons from the pilot phases, the AYAC project now transitions into Youths for AMR Risk Communication and Action, anchored on our pillars of meaningful youth engagement – capacity building, co-creation, and resource mobilization. This evolution reflects our commitment to empowering young people globally to drive AMR education, advocacy, and action in their communities
Project Footprint
Active implementation across Nigeria, Jordan, Cameroon, Malaysia, Rwanda and Tanzania)
Active implementation across 23 Nigerian states: Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Edo, Enugu, FCT, Ilorin, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kwara, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto, Yobe
Project Spotlight
Watch our field team in action during the consultative workshops in West Africa.
Project Updates
Latest insights from the Sustainable Impact & AMR field
Youth at the Frontlines: How YARC Powered Inclusive AMR Action During World AMR Awareness Week 2025
Every year, World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) serves as a global rallying point to confront one of the most pressing public health threats of
November 30, 2025
WASH Off AMR: How Nigerian Youth Are Leading the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is often described as a silent pandemic, but in many Nigerian communities, its roots are anything but silent. Poor water, sanitation, and
June 30, 2025
Project Resources & Publications
5 Steps You Can Take to Prevent the Spreading of AMR
Impact Overview of the AMR Communication Training Program
Think Twice Before Taking Antibiotics (Action Steps)
Project Gallery
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Testimonials
Stories from the people who were inspired by our work.
"... a transformative experience in my journey... The training strengthened my understanding of AMR from a One Health perspective and equipped me with practical communication skills to translate complex scientific concepts into clear, community-friendly messages… I am grateful to OHDI for investing in young professionals and strengthening AMR communication capacity across Africa."
Egide Tuyisingize
"... my understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was limited - especially in terms of how to effectively communicate its impact to my community. The training … transformed my perspective. It went beyond communication techniques to build a deep awareness of AMR as a pressing global issue and the responsibility we all share in addressing it. I can no longer ignore the realities of AMR; it shaped my voice, sharpened my advocacy, and continues to influence how I engage with public health issues today."
Oluwadabira Omosebi
"The One Health and Development Initiative (OHDI) has played a transformative role in my AMR journey. In 2024, I was given the opportunity to implement my first ever project… It marked the beginning of my confidence and success in antimicrobial resistance advocacy. … strengthened my understanding of the critical role effective communication plays in AMR mitigation and prevention... These experiences have made me more confident, intentional and strategic in my AMR engagements and they continue to shape my growth as a veterinary professional and AMR advocate."
Dr. Fatimah Zahra Zubair