Hi, I'm Mara. I've been concerned about the growing public health impact of antibiotic resistance (AR) for many years now. Growing AR means that many of our most common infectious diseases, those we've been able to treat with antibiotics for years, are reemerging as deadly threats. For example, in 2019, AR was responsible for 1.27 million deaths worldwide, concentrated in the worlds poorest nations.

I am happy to say, that while the threat is growing so is public action to address it. In 2023 I was connected with a very cool group: Consummate Health and Sanitation (CHS), a youth-led organization working to address pressing public health issues - like antibiotic resistance - in Liberia, Africa. CHS is staffed by local university students, giving back to the most vulnerable communities to ensure "That every one, of all ages, in Liberia, have good and equitable health and practices good hygiene.”

In the next few weeks CHS is putting together a three day workshop for Liberian students focused on AR. The goals of this event will be to increase awareness of the AR problem, and encourage young people to be involved with solutions through community engagement, personal behaviors, and future careers.

The team at CHS has let me know that they are looking for additional funds to cover the costs of this event. They want to make the event free for all the students who attend but also want to be sure to provide all attendees and volunteer workers with meals, and printed educational materials. They also need additional assistance to cover facility rental, technical support, and promotion for the event.

All the money received is going straight to CHS, I'm very excited about the work they are doing and want to support them in any way that I can. I'm looking forward to this event a lot and really think it will have an important impact.

To anyone who decides to contribute - thank you so so much. Antibiotic resistance is a major public health threat, one we all will have to do our utmost to address in the coming years. I believe community-led events like this one are one of the most impactful things we can do to preserve antibiotic efficacy and save lives - worldwide.