This section contains teaching materials for educating children in school about handwashing and the wise use of antibiotics. The program was developed for children in grade two (7-8 year olds) but has been used in our area for other elementary school grades.

The program was piloted in Grande Prairie, Alberta (Canada) in 1998-99 and was successful in teaching children about antibiotic resistance. Notably we found that education for grade two children resulted in improved understanding of handwashing and antibiotic resistance among their parents.

In the Capital Health region, about 6,500 children in over 250 grade two classes participate in the program every year. Manpower to teach the elementary school program is provided through an innovative partnership with the University of Alberta and Grant MacEwan College. About 1,000 post-secondary students in health related faculties present the program in the elementary school classrooms.

University of Alberta students from the faculties of medicine, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, dental hygiene, physical therapy, occupational therapy and medical laboratory science participate as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare course. Second-year nursing students from Grant MacEwan College participate through the Bachelor of Science in Nursing University Transfer program.

In some regions, the program has been delivered by older students to the younger students. Additionally Cub Scouts and Girl Guides have used the program as it fulfills most of the requirements of the Health Badge.