Developing and disseminating an antimicrobial resistance (AMR) 3 Part animated series
1
EHWOZA NPC, Cape Town, South Africa
2
Division of Infectious Diseases & HIV Medicine, UCT Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
3
MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, Department of Pathology and Institute of Infectious Disease & Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A204
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is making common infections harder to treat and threatens global health1. its impact extends beyond hospitals, affecting families and communities1. effective public engagement is essential to make AMR understandable and relevant in order to effect behaviour change2.
METHODS:
we developed a three-part animated series2 to raise awareness of AMR among youth, translating complex scientific concepts into engaging, relatable narratives. the series was co-created by researchers, scientists, artists, and community members. Animations were designed to highlight the scientific and social dimensions of AMR, illustrate the consequences of antibiotic misuse, and encourage community-level understanding and action. central to the approach was co-creation: learners from eh!woza programmes watched the first draft of the series and provided feedback on content, language, and visual storytelling, ensuring relevance and clarity. animations were initially produced in English, with translation into isiXhosa to broaden accessibility within local communities.
RESULTS:
the animations3,4,5 were shown during community engagement workshops, stimulating discourse around AMR and responsible antibiotic use. the series was shared with postgraduate health science students and community healthcare workers, facilitating discussion on AMR and public engagement strategies. the animation was adapted into an audio series broadcast on an eastern cape local radio station, reaching 10000 listeners daily and disseminating the message to families and the broader community. notably, translation of animations from english into isixhosa was complex and required several iterations, including a translation workshop to ensure AMR concepts were accurately represented using isixhosa terms.
CONCLUSIONS:
creative media can make complex health topics like AMR accessible and relevant4. by engaging youth as collaborators and reaching communities, students, and health workers, the series supports dialogue, awareness, and practical understanding of AMR. to ensure that concepts in complex health communication are accurately represented, it is critical to reserve time and resources for their translation into local languages6.
antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is making common infections harder to treat and threatens global health1. its impact extends beyond hospitals, affecting families and communities1. effective public engagement is essential to make AMR understandable and relevant in order to effect behaviour change2.
METHODS:
we developed a three-part animated series2 to raise awareness of AMR among youth, translating complex scientific concepts into engaging, relatable narratives. the series was co-created by researchers, scientists, artists, and community members. Animations were designed to highlight the scientific and social dimensions of AMR, illustrate the consequences of antibiotic misuse, and encourage community-level understanding and action. central to the approach was co-creation: learners from eh!woza programmes watched the first draft of the series and provided feedback on content, language, and visual storytelling, ensuring relevance and clarity. animations were initially produced in English, with translation into isiXhosa to broaden accessibility within local communities.
RESULTS:
the animations3,4,5 were shown during community engagement workshops, stimulating discourse around AMR and responsible antibiotic use. the series was shared with postgraduate health science students and community healthcare workers, facilitating discussion on AMR and public engagement strategies. the animation was adapted into an audio series broadcast on an eastern cape local radio station, reaching 10000 listeners daily and disseminating the message to families and the broader community. notably, translation of animations from english into isixhosa was complex and required several iterations, including a translation workshop to ensure AMR concepts were accurately represented using isixhosa terms.
CONCLUSIONS:
creative media can make complex health topics like AMR accessible and relevant4. by engaging youth as collaborators and reaching communities, students, and health workers, the series supports dialogue, awareness, and practical understanding of AMR. to ensure that concepts in complex health communication are accurately represented, it is critical to reserve time and resources for their translation into local languages6.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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