The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) College of Nursing took a decisive step in promoting patient safety and combating antibiotic resistance through a seminar titled “Advancing Pharmacologic Safety: Antibiotic Stewardship and Safe Injection Practices.” The event was held on September 25, 2025, at the UNP Auditorium, gathering 228 BSN-II students.
This timely seminar addressed the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the top ten public health threats worldwide. With the increasing misuse and overuse of antibiotics, the rise of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) has made common infections harder to treat, posing serious risks to modern medical interventions such as surgeries and chemotherapy.
The program featured two in-depth discussions. Dr. Roland Zara, MD, FPCP, DPSMID, delivered a lecture on Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS), emphasizing the vital role of future nurses in ensuring rational antibiotic use. Ms. Janice Olivas, RN, MAN, followed with a session on safe medication and injection practices, highlighting proper techniques to prevent healthcare-associated infections.
Through this initiative the college reinforces its commitment to safeguarding public health and fostering responsible, knowledgeable healthcare professionals prepared to tackle the urgent issue of antibiotic resistance.
Article by Rizza Abinsay
