Hiroshima AMR
I want to protect the children of the future.
Hiroshima AMR was established in June 2025 by volunteers from the Hiroshima University Global Medical Research Group COCO.
This is a team that considers antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The Hiroshima University Global Health Research Group COCO is an official club of Hiroshima University established in 2013. It is primarily made up of students interested in global health, and has held lectures and study tours both in Japan and overseas.
As part of these activities, students with an interest in pediatrics come together to think about "what we can do to protect the children of the future." Fifteen first- to fifth-year medical students have come together to work on the topic of AMR on a daily basis.
Current status of AMR
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when antimicrobial drugs become ineffective or less effective due to inappropriate use.
If no measures are taken to combat AMR, it is estimated that by 2050, the number of AMR-related deaths worldwide will reach 10 million per year, exceeding the number of deaths from cancer.
In Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has formulated the "Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Countermeasure Action Plan (2023–2027)"
We are working to raise awareness, prevent infection, and promote appropriate use. However, the reality is that there are many medical students who cannot even explain what AMR is, and public awareness remains low. ( https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000120172.html )
For example, the 2024 Antimicrobial Awareness Survey (AMR Clinical Reference Center)
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People who mistakenly believe that "antibiotics are effective against colds": 39.0%
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43.2% of people mistakenly believe that "it is better to stop antibiotics as soon as possible after recovery"
The results are as follows.
Furthermore, the 2023 Antibiotic Awareness Survey (AMR Clinical Reference Center) found that parents with children under 15 years of age were more likely to have saved or given antibiotics to others, raising concerns about the impact on children. This is why it is so important to raise awareness among the general public, especially parents.
To know and to communicate
"Knowing"
This is where it all begins.
By learning about AMR, we students become aware of the issue and see it as something that concerns us personally.
Being aware of the problem will change behavior on the ground.
There is a future that we can change as we enter the medical world in the future.
This is the belief we hold and we act accordingly.
It is also important for parents to know how to use antibiotics prescribed for their children.
This is an important step that can be taken from home.
"To communicate"
But just knowing about it won't change the future.
The important thing is to communicate what you have learned to society.
AMR is not just a problem for medical professionals, but a challenge that must be faced by society as a whole.
For example, many people ask to be prescribed antibiotics for colds or minor infections.
However, if parents understand the risks of AMR and have the correct knowledge, they can avoid giving their children unnecessary antibiotics, which not only protects each individual child but also protects entire future generations.
As mentioned above, the government has formulated an action plan to combat AMR and is promoting nationwide efforts. However, no matter how ambitious the policy, the spread of AMR will not be halted unless the awareness and behavior of those actually interacting with patients changes. This is why we believe it is important to start change "in the field, and then in society."
Now, starting today
Through this communication, both medical professionals and the public will become aware of the problem and each individual will act with a sense of ownership. We believe that this accumulation will lead to protecting children in the future. As a first step, we will continue to know, learn, and communicate. Why not start by learning together?
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