Antimicrobial Resistance and One Health in the Post COVID-19 Era: What should Health Students Learn?

PURPOSE: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical worldwide health issue that jeopardizes our ability to fight illnesses. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the problem, which was largely caused by irrational off-label use of antivirals, anthelmintics, antimalarials, and, most notably, macrolide antibiotics. The One Health Approach is progressively becoming the most widely utilized in the fight against AMR. Our aim is to address the lack of teachings in AMR and the One Health Approach in health student curricula, as well as to provide recommendations that can be implemented as we progress beyond the COVID-19 era. METHODS & MATERIALS: We conducted a literature review to identify the status of AMR and One Health education in health curriculum over the world while analysing the relevance and urgency of the topic within the COVID-19 era. RESULTS: We identified multiple gaps and discrepancies in AMR and One Health education that could be attributed to multiple reasons including the absence of a formal curriculum on the topics, and lack of interprofessional educational practices. The development and implementation of AMR and One Health topics in the school curriculum is important in equipping future health professionals to fully combat AMR in their respective fields. It can also therefore be encouraged that institutions synergize to share knowledge on useful ways of training healthcare students in addition to meaningful ways to communicate AMR concerns with patients and the public. Various teaching modalities could influence the outcome of antimicrobial prescribing practices. These could be improved by a re-evaluation of problem-based learning strategies, enhancing content and conduction of virtual learning platforms and development of a standardized curriculum on antimicrobial resistance. Interprofessional education and team-based learning can also be a facilitator to familiarize students with the One Health concept. CONCLUSION: Today's health professionals need to provide mentorship and teaching for students on AMR and One Health. This will aid to develop today's young professionals and future health professionals with the necessary skills to prevent and tackle the spread of AMR with appreciation and knowledge of the One Health Approach.