Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat in Cambodia, where it is estimated that since 1990 approximately 3,000 lives have been lost each year as a result of drug-resistant infections. To spark awareness in a way that was both accessible and entertaining, the AMR Circus Project was co-created by MORU & COMRU alongside local partners such as Phare Ponleu Selpak, AHEAD Cambodia, the provincial health departments, the National Centre for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control (CNM) and the youth advisory group on health and research engagement. This collaboration combined performance arts, visual arts, and social media to create a community-driven engagement campaign.
Across four live shows in Battambang, Thma Koul district, and Siem Reap, circus performers used humor, acrobatics, and familiar social scenarios to bring to life common misconceptions about antibiotics, such as receiving unlabelled mixed medicines or using antibiotics for viral illnesses. The performance story also showed a symbolic battle between an antibiotic and resistant bacteria followed by a health professional character guided the audience with examples of good antibiotic practices.
The performances attracted ~1200 audience members in total, primarily youth, with post-show Q&A sessions giving people the chance to test their knowledge and win prizes like project-branded t-shirts and tote bags.
The performances were supported by a range of visual and print materials, including posters, leaflets, and a striking series of watercolour artworks created by Phare Ponleu Selpak’s visual arts students. Inspired by AMR concepts, the illustrations were displayed before and after the performances, transforming complex ideas into playful, eye-catching visuals.
To extend the project’s reach, circus performers also featured in short, comedic videos for social media, highlighting the dangers of antibiotic misuse and the importance of AMR awareness. Together, these videos have been viewed over half a million times online, broadening the conversation beyond the live audiences.
Featured videos: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1YJqWpAFpH/
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CHcdcAvkJ/
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16ycoUnave/
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1GF5eso9sD/
The project has been evaluated through interviews and focus group discussions with various community members and performers. A research paper is in preparation to share findings on the project’s impact, exploring how creative, co-designed performances can influence understanding and perceptions of antibiotic use and AMR in Cambodia.