Empowering young leaders to champion antimicrobial stewardship and drive community action against AMR
Youths for AMR Risk Communication and Action (YARC) project is a global capacity-building initiative that strengthens 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 addresses this gap by equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and tools to serve as effective AMR risk communicators and advocates for better stewardship. 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 (UKHSA).
The Sustainable Impact Resource Guide and Toolkit is being developed through six key phases
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.
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.
We provided advanced communication training focused on engaging neglected and marginalised groups, including NEET youth (Not in Education, Employment or Training), persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, and rural farmers. As in Phase 1, champions co-developed tailored communication materials and receive mini-grants to lead AMR education initiatives.
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
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, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kwara, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto, Yobe
Latest insights from the Youths for AMR Risk Communication and Action (YARC)
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a silent pandemic, threatening global health and making common infections untreatable. But a new, dynamic partnership is rising to meet this
As we ease into a new year of action and strategic period (2026 – 2030), we are taking a deliberate moment to examine what meaningful
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
"... 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."
"... 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."
"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."
The AMR Communication Training Programme is a timely and important contribution to the global fight against antimicrobial resistance. As a facilitator … I was particularly pleased to support these young champions to simplify a complex and often technical issue, translate evidence into clear, compelling messages, and design awareness campaigns that resonate with real community contexts. What stood out most was their enthusiasm and commitment to sharing this knowledge with peers and community members. Their energy and sense of responsibility to drive lasting change reinforce the value of investing in youth-led communication for public health impact.
"Through this intensive … program, I had the opportunity to learn from experts in digital communication, risk communication, audience-specific engagement in AMR messaging, and policy advocacy... This has been one of the most significant positive impacts of the program on my personal and professional development. This experience laid a strong foundation for effective One Health practice, and I am confident that the knowledge and skills gained will support my future endeavors as a veterinarian."
"The AMR Risk Communication Training organized by OHDI in 2024 was a defining moment in my advocacy journey. It fundamentally shifted my approach from relying solely on scientific evidence to mastering effective, people-centred and tailored communication. I gained practical skills to translate complex concepts into clear, relatable messages for diverse audiences. Since the training, I have applied these strategies locally and internationally to build trust and counter misinformation."
