Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists in collaboration with WHO and Ministry of Health organized an inter medical faculty quiz to commemorate world antimicrobial awareness week (WAAW) on 7th November 2024. It was held among 4th year students from 14 Medical Faculties. The quiz brought together students from various medical faculties across Sri Lanka to test their knowledge on antibiotics, resistance mechanisms, and the responsible use of antibiotics in clinical practice. The event aimed to engage the next generation of healthcare professionals in the global effort to combat antibiotic resistance.
The competition was conducted online via Slido app. Dr. Geethika Patabendige and Dr. Kishani Dinapala were the quiz masters.
There were 5 rounds presenting 8 questions per round; first 4 rounds directing questions for individual students while last round projecting questions for the whole group members. The competition was structured with questions covering topics such as:
- Mechanisms of antibiotic resistance
- Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antibiotics
- Clinical guidelines for antibiotic use
- Epidemiology of antibiotic-resistant infections
- Impact of antibiotic resistance on global health and One-Health
- Strategies to combat resistance in healthcare settings
The quiz successfully raised awareness about antibiotic resistance among the medical student community. Key takeaways from the event included:
- A better understanding of the science behind antibiotic resistance and its impact on public health.
- Recognition of the responsibility healthcare professionals have in ensuring antibiotics are prescribed and used appropriately.
- An enhanced sense of urgency to address antibiotic resistance, with participants committing to integrating best practices in their future clinical careers.
The winners of this quiz were as follows;
1st place – Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
2nd place – Faculty of medicine, University of Kelaniya
3rd place - Faculty of medicine, University of Colombo
The winners were given certificates and cash prizes awarded by Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists, at the National event organized by Ministry of Health to commemorate WAAW 2024.
The Inter-Medical Faculty Quiz was a significant success in promoting awareness and education about antibiotic resistance. The event highlighted the importance of involving future healthcare professionals in the global fight against antibiotic misuse.
