Health

Why Pfizer UK is making the next generation front and centre in the fight against antimicrobial resistance


LAST week was World Antibiotics Awareness Week and Pfizer UK want to make you aware of the importance of preserving antibiotics.

Pfizer is a leader in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and work with health professionals, policy makers and the public to ensure that antibiotics are being used in the right way.

 #JoinTheFight against superbugs

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#JoinTheFight against superbugs

To raise awareness, Susan Rienow, Hospital Business Unit Lead at Pfizer UK talks about her experience with antibiotics…

“Fourteen years ago this week, I brought my ill five month old baby in to see the doctor.

“He had been irritable and crying and hadn’t slept in days, which meant I hadn’t slept in days either.

£As a new mum, it was terrifying to take on the huge responsibility of parenting, and I was desperate that the doctor could fix whatever it was that was ailing him.

“The doctor did a number of tests and concluded my baby son had a double ear infection.

“She gave me a prescription for an antibiotic, I gave it to my son, and like a miracle, within days he was all better, and as a family we moved happily on.

“I’m remembering this now because, as is often the case, my experience as a mum has a deep influence over how I see what is important in my work.

“Having access to effective antibiotics is almost taken for granted – how many other parents have been in exactly the same situation as I was in?
“But this ability to easily treat things like ear infections is under threat from antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

“As the Lead of Pfizer UK’s Hospital Business Unit, including our anti-infectives and anti-fungal portfolio, I’m fully aware of the threat posed by AMR and the rise of the so-called Superbugs.

“Antibiotics have saved millions of lives since they were first discovered – but a world without effective antibiotics where people die from infections which are currently treatable could be closer than we think.

 Susan Rienow is Hospital Business Unit Lead at Pfizer UK

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Susan Rienow is Hospital Business Unit Lead at Pfizer UK

“Despite the seriousness of this threat, a recent Pfizer UK survey demonstrated that just 11% of the 2,000 survey participants see antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a serious threat facing society.

“This passion to leave the world a better place has shaped the work we do and that is why, this World Antibiotics Awareness Week (WAAW), families are front and centre for Pfizer UK.”

S0 what did Pfizer do to raise awareness on World Antibiotics Awareness Week?

Firstly, they relaunched their national schools programme ‘Superbugs: Join the Fight’ which is designed to educate students aged 5 to 14 about the real-world issue of antimicrobial resistance, while exploring practical ways to prevent the spread of infections and tackle the inappropriate use and misuse of antibiotics.

They also partnered with BritMums’ network of parent bloggers to produce and share content with their audience of fellow parents aimed at increasing awareness of antibiotic resistance and encouraging best practices.

Plus, the ‘Bug Bus’ visited two locations in London. Packed full of fun, children boarded the Bug Bus to meet the Superbugs, have a game of ‘Battle the Bacteria’, test their handwashing skills with a blue light and learn all about antimicrobial resistance.

If you want to find out more about World Antibiotics Awareness Week and AMR click here.

Job bag: PP-PFE-GBR-2164

Date of prep: Nov 2019





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