The theme for International Women’s Day 2021 is ‘Choose to Challenge’. At Antibiotic Research UK, we are lucky enough to work alongside inspiring, incredible women every day who are committing their time and efforts to challenging antibiotic resistance. This is a global crisis, and our team works tirelessly, with the help of public support, to support patients, educate the public and fund research to stop what could be the next pandemic.
On International Women’s Day 2021, we want to recognise these women, both on our team and the patients we help, and hear what antibiotics and the fight against antibiotic resistance means to them.
Alison:
“I needed antibiotics when undergoing chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant to treat blood cancer. My immune system was very low and I was highly susceptible to infection. Amazing cancer treatments are only as strong as their weakest link and rely on antibiotics when patients are most vulnerable. That’s why I’m passionate about working with Antibiotic Research UK – not just for me, but for my 10-year-old daughter who deserves to have the same ‘infection safety net’ that I’ve had.”
Christine:
“Working for Antibiotic Research UK as a Trustee and Chair of the Education Committee enables me to use my professional experience to help fight a major global health issue and give something back to society. I am privileged to have this opportunity.”
Joy:
“As a woman who fights for the things I care about,
and always does it in a way that will encourage
others to join me.
I am proud to work for, support and be
associated with
Antibiotic Research UK.
A small charity
which encourages others
to join them in their fight against Antibiotic Resistance!”
Arlene:
“Antibiotic resistance cannot be fully comprehended without the moving stories of the people who are living with it. They put the issue into human context and demonstrate the urgency and reality of how antibiotic resistance can devastate real lives. In providing patient support, I feel truly privileged and humbled to hear about these experiences; to be trusted by those suffering to help them use their voice to tell the world that we have a catastrophic problem looming unless we all act now. Working for Antibiotic Research UK in patient support is a joy, but equally heart-breaking at times; I feel so grateful to have a role which makes a difference in the lives of those suffering and feeling very isolated.”
Rachael:
“Before I developed an infection resistant to antibiotics and sepsis, I knew that antibiotic resistance existed. However, I believed it only happened in third world countries or areas of high deprivation – which I now recognise was very naive. I am now really pleased to see TV adverts and public awareness campaigns everywhere talking about antibiotic resistance and how it can affect any of us!
I would have appreciated more information on resistant infection-causes, diagnosis, treatment and how it might affect me thereafter. My boyfriend at that time didn’t want to visit me because of his fear of the infection spreading – and I had no information on whether this was likely or not! So patient information was really lacking during hospital treatment and even on discharge.
It is now terrifying to read that antibiotic resistance is now going to be a bigger killer than many diseases. I keep asking myself why it has taken so long for the world to recognise this life-threatening issue of antibiotic resistance and to do something concrete about it? I am very glad that Antibiotic Research UK is leading the way in developing more effective treatments and raising awareness of this serious problem we are now facing”.
Our work is made possible by donations, fundraising, legacies and memberships from the public. If you would like to find out more about antibiotic resistance and how you can support us in fighting this global challenge, please visit our website or get in touch.