Under the patronage of the President of the University of Ninevah, Professor Dr. Osama Al-Mashhadani, and in collaboration with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the University of Ninevah marked the conclusion of the Awareness Week on Antibiotic Resistance (WAAW) on Sunday, November 24, 2024. The event was held at the Faculty of Medicine in the Dr. Mzahim Al-Khayyat Hall and involved participation from the Faculties of Nursing, Pharmacy, and Medicine, in collaboration with MSF’s Belgian section, over the period of November 17–24, 2024.
The closing symposium commenced with an opening address by Dr. Claudia Hattinger, MSF Project Medical Referent (PMR), who emphasized the importance of international cooperation in combating antibiotic resistance. She highlighted the necessity of strengthening partnerships between humanitarian organizations and academic institutions to achieve this shared goal.
The symposium was attended by Dr. Ali Abbas, the Administrative Assistant to the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Abdullah Shakir, the Scientific Assistant, as well as heads of academic departments, a distinguished group of faculty members, and students.
The program featured a range of activities, including a presentation on MSF’s initiatives in Iraq, particularly in Mosul, and a lecture on antimicrobial resistance delivered by MSF’s health promotion team.
The symposium aimed to raise awareness among students and the wider community about the risks posed by antibiotic resistance, which threatens the effectiveness of medical treatments. The discussions underscored the importance of prudent antibiotic use, highlighted the health challenges arising from overuse or misuse of antibiotics, and advocated for adherence to medical guidelines to protect public health and minimize the risks of infectious diseases.
At the conclusion of the awareness week, MSF representatives presented commemorative shields to the deans and participants, in recognition of their significant efforts and contributions to the event’s success. They praised the University of Ninevah’s openness and collaboration with initiatives addressing societal and global health issues, wishing the university continued progress and success.
