ReAct Asia Pacific: Photo competition for students – health in focus

2020-09-23

ReAct Asia Pacific has been organizing photography competitions for students every year to commemorate the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week. Three editions of the competition has been organized so far, with a large number of entries coming from South and South East Asian countries. The primary objective of the competition has been to introduce the issue of antibiotic resistance to students and engage their creative energies.

For a large section of the public in low- and middle-Income countries, antibiotic resistance is considered an abstract scientific issue and awareness is minimal. Students form an important channel to deliver the message of antibiotic resistance, antibiotic use and its consequences to a larger section of the society. Therefore we need to create a conducive environment to engage students on the issue of antibiotic resistance.

Themes this year reflects realities of COVID-19

This year’s competition has three themes, which reflects the changing realities in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. The outbreak and the subsequent restrictions have adversely affected the wellbeing of people in countless different ways and the effects may be around for a long time. Therefore, we decided to broaden the scope of the competition and zeroed in on the following themes:

1. Quality of health care
2. Planetary health
3. Health and hygiene

Students from across the globe and from different educations can join

The entries can be about any of the above themes and the evaluation will be common (and not thematic). Any student, irrespective of the place of residence or the type of education, can send their entries to the competition.

• The photographs can be taken using any type of cameras- digital, professional or even a mobile phone.
• One person can send a maximum of 5 entries and each of them should be less than 5MB in size.
• The photographs should be in high resolution and the work must be original.

The last date for sending entries is 10th November 2020 and we hope to release the results during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week. Just like previous years, the winners get attractive prizes and commendation plaques.

“The future belongs to those who care for and nurture the community. And to those who believe in addressing the problems that affect the society at large. Those young at heart, will respond to the problem of antibiotic resistance by providing sustainable and cost-effective solutions.

With this in mind we want to stimulate young minds through these competitions – to act outside their normal calling. After all – a small spark can ignite the world!”

Sujith J Chandy, Director, ReAct Asia Pacific