In a call to action, Korle Bu's Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah, urged the Pharmacy department to adopt best practices to guarantee high-quality healthcare services during the launch of this year's World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW).

Dr. Ampomah advocated for increased engagement and open discussions at all levels to find solutions to the obstacles impeding service delivery. He further urged the Medical Affairs Directorate and other important stakeholders to contribute to the development of a top-notch Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) program.

"I have faith that our results will speak for themselves, " Dr. Ampomah stated, inspiring the department to showcase its achievements. He emphasized that as staff, we hold the key to realizing the envisioned transformation agenda.

According to the Acting Director of Pharmacy, Dr. Amah Nkansah, the fight against antimicrobials necessitates the involvement of additional healthcare professionals alongside pharmacists.

"Pharmacists are collaborating with nurses, doctors, the Drug and Therapeutic Committee (DTC), the Infection Prevention Control team (IPC), and laboratory scientists, among others, to help win this crucial battle, " Dr. Amah explained.

She elaborated that the celebration kicked off with efforts to educate and raise awareness among patients and staff across all hospital departments. This year's WAAW theme is "Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance. "

In a brief presentation, Pharm. Dr. Asiwome Aggor highlighted that since the AMS program's inception in 2019, they have partnered with the Commonwealth Antimicrobial Stewardship to enhance their knowledge and train personnel at the University of Ghana Medical Centre and other institutions in Pharmacy Data Standardization (PDS).

Solidarity messages were conveyed by the Director of Medical Affairs, Dr. Frank Owusu Sekyere, the DTC Chairperson, Dr. Ofori Adjei, a Laboratory representative, DMLS Thomas Danquah, and an IPC representative, Dr. Islyn Graham. They all expressed their unwavering support for the Pharmacy Department in the fight against antimicrobials.

Michael Akaadom, a representative from Pfizer, an AMS partner, also instructed participants on the company's antibiotics and their proper use.

The launch was attended by various directors, heads of pharmacy units, and other staff members.