International Symposium on “Burden of Antibiotic Resistance in Neonates”

The level of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in neonatal infections and its impact on mortality in low-middle income countries is unacceptably high. In order to assess the impact and burden of antimicrobial resistance on the clinical outcome of neonates and to determine local and common risk factors, a multi-country study funded by Gates Foundation has been launched in 5 countries (Bangladesh, Rwanda, Nigeria, South Africa, and Pakistan). Dr Rabaab Zahra (Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Quaid-i-Azam University) is Principal Investigator at Pakistan site. A one day International Symposium on “Burden of Antibiotic Resistance in Neonates” was organized by Department of Microbiology, Quaid-i-Azam University. Prof. Dr. Javed Ashraf, Vice Chancellor, QAU and Prof. Dr. Wasim Ahmed, Dean FBS, also attended the event. The speakers included Dr. Sadia Riaz (Assistant Professor, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences), Dr. Hania Rashid (MPhil Resident Scholar, PIMS) who highlighted the Neonatal Sepsis and clinicians’ perspectives. Dr. Muhammad Salman (Focal Person AMR, SSO Microbiology, NIH) spoke about the Antimicrobial Resistance Initiatives and challenges in Pakistan. The keynote speaker, Professor Timothy R. Walsh from Cardiff University, Wales, UK spoke about “Identifying the needs of improving neonatal sepsis with the burden of AMR”. A poster Competition was held towards the end where students presented their posters and the best posters were given certificates and cash prizes. The Symposium ended by the Thanking note by the Organizing secretary, Dr. Rabaab Zahra.