Uduyars
Usmanu Danfodiyo University Young Antimicrobial Resistance Stewards
Building a healthier future by empowering youth to combat AMR.
Who We Are
UDUYARS (Usmanu Danfodiyo University Young Antimicrobial Resistance Stewards) is a youth-led initiative confronting one of the world’s biggest health threats: antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
AMR happens when microbes evolve to resist treatments, making routine infections deadly and putting procedures like surgery and chemotherapy at risk.
In 2019 alone, drug-resistant infections caused 1.27 million deaths; and without urgent action, that number could rise to 39 million by 2050.
At UDUYARS, we’re determined to act now by raising awareness, driving bold actions, and preventing the devastating impacts of AMR today.
OUR CORE PROGRAM AREAS
Community Engagement and Advocacy
UDUYARS drives awareness on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through three main approaches. Our school-based campaigns equip youth with knowledge and practical skills on responsible antibiotic use, infection prevention, and hygiene, reaching over 5,000 students across multiple secondary and post-secondary institutions. Our market and grassroots engagement brings AMR education to informal community spaces, engaging vendors and customers directly and distributing culturally tailored materials to encourage immediate, informed health actions. During these engagements, we ensure the distribution of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials. All of these initiatives emphasize early education, practical engagement, and culturally relevant messaging to foster lasting impact.
Youth Leadership and Capacity Building
At UDUYARS, we place young people at the center of efforts to solve public health challenges like antimicrobial resistance. We equip them with practical skills, accurate information, and leadership tools to take meaningful action in their communities. Our teams organize structured focus group discussions and peer learning sessions that engage diverse youth voices to identify local drivers of antimicrobial resistance and co-create targeted solutions. These dialogues strengthen a growing network of informed youth leaders who shape local behaviors and influence broader health policies.
Knowledge Exchange and Public Events
At UDUYARS, we organize events that bring people together to learn, connect, and act on the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. We have hosted AMR symposiums, art exhibitions, youth co-creation events, and panel discussions that bring students, researchers, and healthcare professionals into the same room to exchange ideas and push for community-tailored solutions.
Digital Learning and Global Conversations
We host virtual sessions with leading experts to explore emerging trends, research, and innovations in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. These events help our members stay informed, current and build technical expertise. We also contribute to international dialogues, where we share our locally tested solutions and grassroots strategies for tackling AMR in resource-limited settings. These global conversations allow us to learn, collaborate, and ensure youth-led action remains part of the global AMR response.
World AMR Awareness Week
At UDUYARS, we see World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) as more than just a week-long campaign. It’s a chance to bring people together, spark conversations, and take action that truly matters. Since our inception, our youth teams have marked WAAW every year with energy and creativity. We’ve organized school outreach, art exhibitions, rallies, panel discussions, and social media campaigns; all focused on helping people understand antimicrobial resistance and what they can do to stop it. What makes our WAAW campaigns special is how we connect global messages to real-life issues in our communities.
What makes UDUYARS DIFFERENT
Youth-Led, Community-Driven Solutions
UDUYARS is one of the few youth-led groups in Africa tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from the grassroots. Our team is made up of young professionals who live and work in the communities they serve. This allows us to design solutions that are practical, relevant, and trusted by local people. We combine medical knowledge with community insight to address AMR where it starts; at the household and community level.
Local Impact with Global Recognition
While our work is deeply rooted in Northern Nigeria, UDUYARS has been recognised on international platforms for its innovative approach to AMR. We have contributed to the fight against AMR at global events, including the ReAct–South Centre AMR Conference and the AMR Partnership Platform Assembly. Our success proves that African youth can lead in solving one of the world’s most urgent health challenges.
Creative and Inclusive Communication
We go beyond traditional awareness methods by using local languages, poetry, art, and storytelling to communicate complex AMR issues. From classrooms to community centres, our campaigns are designed for people of all literacy levels. We also develop targeted materials for children, youth, and individuals with hearing impairments, ensuring no one is left behind in the fight against drug-resistant infections.
Hands-On Education and Capacity Building
At UDUYARS, we prioritize equipping young people with the skills and knowledge needed to lead the AMR movement. Through training workshops, mentorship programs, and field-based learning, we cultivate a new generation of AMR champions. Our model ensures that awareness turns into action, and that students don’t just learn about AMR—they become part of the solution.
Collaborators, Sponsors, and Partners
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Testimonials
Real Voices from the Fight Against AMR
From Confusion to Confidence
Before attending UDUYARS’ school session, I had no idea what antimicrobial resistance meant. Now, I’m more careful with antibiotics and even help educate my friends.
Fatima A.
Secondary School Student, GSS Sokoto
Inspired to Lead
Being part of a UDUYARS event showed me how youth can lead serious conversations in creative ways. It inspired me to take up a role in our school’s health club.
Ibrahim S.
Youth Participant
Blog
Latest In The Club
Market and Grassroots Mobilisation
In 2024, UDUYARS volunteers partnered with the Alliance Against AMR to support a targeted outreach campaign at Hajia Halima Market, Sokoto’s largest commercial hub. Through the “Educate, Advocate & Act” initiative, youth presenters engaged over 120 market vendors...
Digital Learning and Global Conversations
We host virtual sessions with leading experts to explore emerging trends, research, and innovations in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. These events help our members stay informed and build technical knowledge. We also contribute to international dialogues,...
Knowledge Exchange and Public Events
At UDUYARS, we organize events that bring people together to learn, connect, and act on the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. We have hosted AMR symposiums and panel discussions that bring students, researchers, and healthcare professionals into the same...