Report of a workshop on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) at the University of Jordan, December 12–14, 2024
Authors: Al-Ryahneh Ghaith F. , Al-Muhaissen Suha 
Published: January 2025

The School of Pharmacy at the University of Jordan, in collaboration with the World HealthOrganization (WHO), organized a three-day workshop as part of World AntimicrobialAwareness Week (WAAW). The workshop was dedicated to addressing antimicrobialresistance (AMR), a pressing global health challenge. Held from December 12–14, 2024, theworkshop emphasized innovation, education, and collaboration to combat this global healthchallenge.The workshop was designed with several key objectives in mind. It aimed to raise awarenessamong pharmacy students about the challenges and risks of AMR and its far-reachingimplications for public health. The workshop also aimed to equip participants with problemsolvingskills by introducing methodologies like design thinking, fostering creativity, andpractical solutions. A significant goal was to foster the development of actionable interventionsthat promote responsible antibiotic use, particularly in community pharmacy settings.Moreover, the event emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration amongacademia, healthcare organizations, and regulatory bodies to address AMR comprehensivelyand effectively.Key activities included educational presentations by distinguished experts offering valuableinsights into various aspects of AMR. Dr. Uday Ibrahim, Head of the Health Emergencies Teamin Jordan at WHO, discussed the organization's role in addressing AMR both nationally andglobally. Dr. Esraa A. Zoubi, Advisor to the Director-General for Drug Registration and Pricingat the Jordan FDA, provided a detailed presentation on policies and strategies for regulatingantibiotic prescription and dispensing in Jordan. Dr. Ala’a F. Al-Shaikh, a WHO representative,offered insights into global strategies to combat AMR and promote the rational use ofantibiotics. Complementing these discussions, Dania Mobayed from WHO shared expertise onpublic health approaches to AMR, emphasizing its impact on healthcare systems. LoraAlsawalha, also from WHO, highlighted the importance of community engagement andinterdisciplinary collaboration in tackling AMR. Additionally, Dr. Mahmoud Alkawareek,Associate Professor of Microbiology in the School of Pharmacy at the University of Jordan,delivered a comprehensive overview of AMR, detailing its current status and the critical rolefuture pharmacists must play in combating this global health challenge.The workshop included interactive activities designed to foster creativity and collaborationamong participants. Mrs. Linda El Kurd from the Challenger Team led engaging designthinking sessions, where students participated in brainstorming and problem-solving exercisesusing innovative techniques to address AMR. These sessions encouraged critical thinking andthe development of practical, innovative solutions. Building on this foundation, participantsworked in teams during the project development phase to design interventions aimed at raisingawareness and promoting adherence to antibiotic stewardship practices. The resulting projectswere carefully evaluated by WHO representatives, faculty members, and professional trainers,who praised the students for their creativity and the practical potential of their ideas. The WHOfurther demonstrated its commitment to fostering innovation by announcing plans to select awinning team from the participants and support them with funding and expert guidance toimplement their ideas.Engagement with leadership during the workshop underscored the importance of addressingAMR at both institutional and national levels. Dr. Nathir Obeidat, President of the Universityof Jordan, emphasized the urgent need for AMR-related legislation and the critical role ofincorporating awareness into healthcare education to prepare future professionals for thischallenge. Similarly, Dr. Rula Darwish, Dean of the School of Pharmacy, highlighted thepivotal role of pharmacy students in combating AMR. She highlighted their unique knowledgeand skills as essential for promoting responsible antibiotic use and effecting meaningful changewithin their communities.The workshop concluded with a panel discussion that resulted in actionable recommendationsto address AMR more effectively. These recommendations emphasized the need to developadvanced curricula and specialized training programs that focus on AMR, equipping futurehealthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills. The panel emphasizedpromoting AMR research and fostering collaborations with national and internationalorganizations to harness collective expertise. Additionally, supporting community-basedinitiatives aimed at improving antibiotic prescribing practices was identified as a crucial steptoward mitigating the impact of AMR and promoting responsible antimicrobial use.The workshop successfully achieved its goals of equipping students with the knowledge andtools needed to address AMR while fostering meaningful collaboration among stakeholders.WHO representatives reaffirmed their commitment to supporting students by guiding them inrefining their projects for real-world implementation. Additionally, the university’s newlyestablished AMR Committee will play a pivotal role in overseeing the follow-up and executionof the workshop’s recommendations. These efforts include collecting and analyzing data onlocal antibiotic usage patterns, developing innovative interventions to enhance communitypharmacy practices, and encouraging multidisciplinary research and collaboration to combatAMR effectively.In conclusion, this workshop reaffirmed the University of Jordan’s strong commitment tocombating AMR through education, innovation, and collaboration. By equipping futurepharmacists with the essential skills and knowledge to tackle this global health challenge, theuniversity is actively contributing to the foundation of a healthier, more informed society, readyto make a positive impact.