Galala University (GU) reaffirmed its commitment to global public health by organizing the GU Walkathon Against Antimicrobial Resistance on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, a high-energy campus event that concluded the university’s World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) campaign. WAAW is an annual initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to spotlight the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and promote responsible antimicrobial use worldwide.
Held under the gracious patronage of Prof. Dr. Mohamed El Shinawi, President of Galala University, the Walkathon achieved exceptional engagement, mobilizing 642 participants from across the university community. Students, faculty members, and staff came together in a unified effort to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance — one of the most urgent global health challenges of our time.
The Walkathon also stood out as a powerful model of student-led, high-impact learning. The initiative was conceptualized, organized, and supervised by Associate Professor Dr. Mariam Hassan Haikal as the core applied project for students enrolled in the General Microbiology and Immunology course at the Faculty of Pharmacy. Through this experiential approach, students transformed academic knowledge into real-world advocacy and community engagement.
The event was officially inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Amira AbdelMotaal, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, who emphasized GU’s dedication to integrating public health leadership into academic excellence. The Walkathon was held in collaboration with the Student Life Department (SLD), creating a dynamic blend of sports, education, and campus-wide participation.
In support of the “One Health” approach central to WAAW — which recognizes the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health — the Walkathon welcomed participants from all GU faculties. The initiative also received valued support from the National Committee of Toxicology and Pharmacology – Egypt, reinforcing the strength of national partnerships in advancing health awareness and action.
Combining fitness with education, the GU Walkathon Against Antimicrobial Resistance delivered key messages on the importance of preventing drug-resistant infections, promoting the rational use of antimicrobials, and protecting community health. The event highlighted how university-driven initiatives can effectively contribute to addressing global challenges while encouraging healthier lifestyles and shared responsibility.
Galala University extends sincere appreciation to all students, faculty, staff, partners, and organizers who made this initiative a success, and looks forward to continuing this impactful annual tradition.
