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Our guests this evening were Dr Barry Mendalwitz and Les and Marilyn Woodland from the Rotary Club of Preston, Victoria. Les and Marilyn often come to a meeting when in WA and I expect we'll have the pleasure of their company again because they plan to stay (possibly) well into the New Year given the state of their home State (of Victoria).
Barry (pictured below) was along to speak to us about Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) which he sees as one of the greatest challenges of our time.
He told us that as far back as April 2014 the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that:
"AMR is a serious threat .........happening right now in every region of the world and has the potential to affect anyone, of any age, in any country. ........with estimates suggesting several million deaths are caused by AMR every year world-wide."
AMR refers to an increasing number of micro-organisms in the human body, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites, that have become resistant to antimicrobial treatment such as antibiotics. Microbes resistant to antimicrobials are called multidrug resistant, or often superbugs. Barry explained that microbes pass between humans, plants, animals and the environment and mutate to resist antibiotics, antimicrobials, fungicides and chemicals, changing to survive ; and by not using any of these except when absolutely necessary we can all help prevent the spread of infection, pollution & contamination
As a long standing member of the Rotary Club of Applecross Barry has led the way in establishing AMR Aware Inc. It's a not for profit organisation supported by Rotary Clubs, providing health education on the ways to limit exposure to infection, thereby reducing the need for antibiotic treatment. The aim is to ALERT, INFORM and ACT and
- Think Of Antibiotics as a precious gift always to be used wisely;
- Immunise to prevent infections to protect ourselves and the community; and
- Wash our hands often and effectively so that bugs are not spread
In partnership with Australian Rotary Health (ARH), Barry's Club (through AMR Aware) has co-funded Murdoch University Phd scholar, Aaron Alejandro, to undertake "research to inform and evaluate a community level campaign to increase awareness and change behaviours in relation to antimicrobial use’
To view more of Barry's presentation Click here On the 26 October we'll be at La Vigna in Menora for a wine tasting night and on 2 November we'll be at Metamorphis Gallery Willetton for Melbourne Cup Night and in support of Australian Rotary Health. The Board meets on 21 October and on 9 November we'll be back for our next meeting at Jack Caddy's Market City Tavern. To view the DUTY ROSTER for that night and beyond Click here
For our Club Jokers' Jokes delivered in style by Stuart Diggins and Greg Vines Click here. |
