The Department of Pharmacy Techniques at the Technical Institute of Kufa has successfully concluded its 2nd Annual Scientific Festival. Held in conjunction with World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), the event was organized in collaboration with the Media and Government Communications Division under the theme: “Preventive Balance: Between Antibiotic Use and Natural Alternatives.”
The festival, which served as a significant educational milestone, focused on raising awareness about the risks of overusing antibiotics while advocating for the enhancement of the immune system as the body’s primary line of defense. The event was attended by the Assistant Dean for Administrative and Financial Affairs, department heads, faculty staff, and a large gathering of students.
The program commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran and the National Anthem. During the festival, Lecturer Ola Sadiq Hassan (M.Sc. in Pharmacy) delivered a message on prevention, highlighting simple yet effective lifestyle practices. She emphasized boosting immunity through a healthy diet rich in vitamins—such as consuming nutritious foods and natural juices—alongside regular exercise and adequate sleep.
This was followed by a valuable scientific lecture entitled “Antibiotics and Available Alternatives,” delivered by Prof. Dr. Ayad Ali Hussein from the Islamic University. He emphasized the necessity of responsible antibiotic use, stressing that they should only be used when clinically necessary and via medical prescription. He further urged strict adherence to prescribed dosages and durations, warning against demanding antibiotics without necessity or sharing them with others.
In recognition of his active participation and the valuable insights shared, the Assistant Dean, Asst. Prof. Kazim Khayyun, presented Prof. Dr. Ayad Ali with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the Institute’s Deanship.
The festival also featured various student-led activities throughout the department’s halls, including interactive workshops on immunity and natural alternatives. A highlight was an analytical scientific demonstration of vitamin and mineral concentrations in common foods and plants (such as oranges, carrots, peppers, pomegranates, and herbs), explaining their role in disease prevention. Additionally, student awareness groups were formed to provide direct education on the risks of antibiotic misuse, establishing the festival as a successful platform for fostering a responsible health culture.
