Japan's first online media seminar on antimicrobial resistance

Abstract

According to the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, published in 2016, various measures have been implemented to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Japan. Subsequently, promoting public education is important, as the Japanese public does not have sufficient knowledge about antimicrobials and AMR. The AMR Clinical Reference Center (AMRCRC) of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine conducts seminars for the media once a year as part of information and education services. In 2020, the AMRCRC conducted the first online seminar since it was unable to conduct face-to-face seminars due to the novel coronaviral disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. An online seminar was considered effective in promoting education and awareness through the media. Twenty-four media representatives (from 19 companies) participated in the online seminar. Media articles related to the activities of AMRCRC were similar to those of the previous years despite the impact of COVID-19.