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Launch of Commonwealth Partnerships for Antimicrobial Stewardship project!

26 September 2018

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Antibiotic resistance (AMR) is present everywhere. AMR occurs when microorganisms survive exposure to a medicine that would normally kill them such as antibiotics, antimalarials and antivirals. These microorganisms are often referred to as ‘superbugs’ and can leave medicines ineffective.

Occurring naturally overtime, our misuse and overuse of antibiotics is largely accelerating this global health problem. In 2016, 490 000 people developed multi-drug resistant to TB, and drug resistance is starting to complicate the fight against HIV and malaria as well[1]. As England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies, warned AMR poses a ‘catastrophic threat’[2] to the world over.

We are excited to announce our partnership with the Commonwealth Pharmaceutical’s Association which will see up to 12 new Commonwealth Health Partnerships created. Volunteer NHS pharmacists and specialist nurses will travel to participating Commonwealth nations to work in partnership with local health workers to share expertise and jointly tackle the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

The new scheme, funded by UK aid from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), is part of the wider commitment by DHSC to spend up to £245million of UK aid to support low and middle income countries to enhance their surveillance of AMR by 2021, through the Fleming Fund.

“Antimicrobial resistance poses a catastrophic threat to us all and yet until recently it has remained a neglected area of global health.

At THET we believe that working in partnerships is the best way to strengthen health systems both at home and overseas. Through volunteer placements our NHS staff will pass on their expertise to their counterparts in the Commonwealth whilst learning from them and the low-resource settings they spend time within.

We are proud to be a part of this programme and look forward to sharing its successes.”

Ben Simms, CEO – THET

We look forward to announcing further details in the weeks to come!

 

 

[1] http://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance
[2] http://bsac.org.uk/antimicrobial-resistance-poses-catastrophic-threat-says-chief-medical-officer/

This post was written by:

THET -

12 Comments

  • Lydia Bonabana
    06 Feb 2020 05:54
    Hi, am Lydia from Uganda a development practitioner working with life and hope foundation in Buliisa District at the lake shores, We skill the youth mostly the poor, single mothers and other vulnerable persons. They need life improvement in social, physical, environmentally. However much we are trying to skill them, they are highly affected with challenges of poor healthcare and lack well constructed hospitals in an area. I realized that there is need health intervention when we were carrying out surveys and research in the District/Area. How can you help me to improve the health services for the people in this area and what can I do to join your team Thanks
    Reply
    Charlotte
    11 Feb 2020 16:17
    Thank you for your message! Please contact agp@thet.org to find out more information regarding current funding availability. Many thanks, THET
  • http://canadianorderpharmacy.com/
    02 Jun 2019 18:34
    It's awesome in support of me to have a site, which is valuable in favor of my know-how. thanks admin
    Reply
  • Sally
    19 Oct 2018 14:55
    Hello i am a hospital pharmacist working in wiltshire. Do a group of pharmacists/nurses go to each site? When and for how long are the chosen applicants in each area? I understand there are some engagement events planned where and when are they being held. Thanks for your help. sally
    Reply
    Charlotte
    26 Oct 2018 14:02
    Hi Sally, thank you very much for your comment and questions. We will be publishing more information regarding the programme in the coming days but in the meantime please do email your questions to ams@thet.org where my colleague Will will reply and hopefully be able to help. With best wishes, THET Team
  • Denis
    15 Oct 2018 19:22
    How does an individual pharmacist from Uganda with the required expertise be part of this program
    Reply
    Charlotte
    17 Oct 2018 12:06
    Hi Denis, Thank you very much for your message. Our grants team should be able to help with this and he is contactable via email at ams@thet.org. With thanks, THET Team
  • Ian Holtby
    14 Oct 2018 18:36
    We are working with Kamuzu Central Hospital and Dowa Community Hospital in Malawi on AMS and our team, which now includes a medical microbiologist, will be travelling there on 24th November to help them address the issues involved.
    Reply
  • Peter Phiri
    09 Oct 2018 20:26
    I wish I can be part of this program as an upcoming laboratory in Zambia! How do you become part of it?
    Reply
    Charlotte
    10 Oct 2018 09:32
    Thank you for your interest in the programme! We will be posting updates on the application process in the weeks to come so please do keep checking the site, our social media @THETlinks on twitter and sign up to our newsletter on the homepage. With thanks, THET Team
  • ABUBACKER SIDDICK
    05 Oct 2018 12:47
    I wish to know and join with Partnership activities if any projected in INDIA
    Reply
    Linnet Griffith-Jones
    08 Oct 2018 13:24
    Thank you for your interest, unfortunately the programme is only working in Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

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