Executive Summary
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a growing global health threat that undermines the effectiveness of antibiotics and other life-saving medicines. In low- and middle-income settings, overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in human health, livestock, and agriculture accelerate resistance. Weak prescription regulation, limited laboratory diagnostics, and lack of public awareness further exacerbate the problem.
This proposal introduces Local Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) to promote rational antibiotic use, strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC), improve surveillance, and raise community awareness.
Problem Statement
Key AMR drivers at local level include:
- Over-prescription of antibiotics
- Self-medication and over-the-counter sales
- Inadequate diagnostic testing
- Poor infection prevention practices
- Antibiotic use in livestock without oversight
- Limited AMR awareness among communities
Without immediate action, common infections may become untreatable, increasing healthcare costs and mortality.
Project Goal
To reduce inappropriate antimicrobial use and strengthen local capacity to prevent and monitor antimicrobial resistance.
Objectives
- Establish antimicrobial stewardship committees in 20 health facilities.
- Train 300 healthcare workers on rational prescribing.
- Improve laboratory capacity for basic bacterial culture and sensitivity testing.
- Conduct community awareness campaigns on antibiotic misuse.
- Strengthen infection prevention and control practices.
Target Beneficiaries
- Healthcare providers (doctors, nurses, pharmacists)
- Laboratory technicians
- Livestock extension officers (where relevant)
- Community members
- Local health authorities
Project Components
- Component 1: Facility-Level Antimicrobial Stewardship Committees
- Develop prescribing guidelines
- Monitor antibiotic usage patterns
- Conduct prescription audits
- Provide feedback to clinicians
- Component 2: Training & Capacity Building
- Rational antibiotic prescribing training
- Diagnostic interpretation workshops
- Infection prevention and control (IPC) training
- One Health approach integration
- Component 3: Laboratory Strengthening
- Component 4: Community Awareness & Behavior Change
- Public campaigns on antibiotic misuse
- School-based education sessions
- Pharmacy engagement programs
- Media outreach initiatives
- Component 5: Surveillance & Monitoring
- Antibiotic consumption tracking
- Resistance trend monitoring
- Data sharing with national AMR systems
- Periodic evaluation reports
Expected Outcomes
- Improved antibiotic prescribing practices
- Reduced unnecessary antibiotic use
- Increased diagnostic testing before prescription
- Improved IPC compliance rates
- Enhanced community awareness
Short Budget Table (18-Month Pilot)
Training & Capacity Building $XXXXX
Laboratory Strengthening $XXXXX
Stewardship Committee Operations $XXXXX
Community Awareness Campaigns $XXXXX
Surveillance & Data Systems $XXXXX
Monitoring & Evaluation $XXXXX
Administrative & Project Management $XXXXX
Total Estimated Budget $XXXXX
Risk Mitigation
- Engage professional medical associations
- Align with national AMR action plans
- Continuous supervision and mentorship
- Regulatory collaboration for pharmacy oversight
- Phased laboratory capacity expansion
Sustainability Strategy
- Integration into routine hospital quality systems
- Government co-financing pathways
- Training-of-trainers (ToT) model
- Institutionalization of prescription audits
- Policy advocacy for antimicrobial regulation
Alignment with Global Frameworks
- SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being)
- Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance
- One Health Framework
- Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
Conclusion
Antimicrobial resistance threatens decades of medical progress. Strengthening local antimicrobial stewardship programs is a practical and cost-effective way to preserve antibiotic effectiveness. By combining rational prescribing, laboratory capacity, infection prevention, and community awareness, this project strengthens health systems and safeguards public health for future generations.
