St. Joseph Vaz College (SJVC) organised an Awareness Talk on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) on 29 August 2026. The programme was organised by the Department of Microbiology and the counselling cell in collaboration with Microbiologists Society, India (MBSI), with the objective of creating awareness about the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance and promoting the responsible use of antimicrobials, infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.

The programme was attended by the students, teaching and non-teaching staff of St. Joseph Vaz College, along with students from Perpetual Succour High School and Higher Secondary School, Cortalim. The event highlighted AMR as a major global public health concern affecting individuals, communities, healthcare systems and the environment. The important role of students and teachers of microbiology in creating awareness and promoting responsible antimicrobial practices was also emphasised.

The programme was compered by Ms. Astrid Fernandes, TYBSc microbiology student.The programme commenced with a prayer service led by Ms. Niola Sequeira,TYBSc microbiology student invoking God’s blessings and reflecting on the responsible use of scientific knowledge for the welfare of society.

The resource person for the programme was Dr. Shawon Quadros, MD Microbiologist, District Microbiologist under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and Infection Control Officer of the Hospicio Infection Control Committee. Dr. Shawon Quadros highlighted antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a serious public health challenge and emphasised the need for responsible antimicrobial use. She urged students and the wider community to act responsibly and contribute collectively to curbing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.The session focused on preventing the misuse and overuse of antibiotics through informed and responsible practices.

As part of the awareness initiative, an AMR Poster Competition was organised for college students. The competition provided students with an opportunity to combine scientific understanding and creativity while communicating an important public health message.The prizes for the poster competition were presented by Dr. Shawon Quadros.

The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks proposed by Mr. Xellion Gracias, College Counsellor. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Aureen Lemos Godinho Gomes, Assistant Professor of Microbiology & MBSI State Coordinator.