Antimicrobial Resistance in East Africa

Understanding Transmission Dynamics and Acquisition of Antimicrobial Resistance at Referral Hospitals and Community Settings in East Africa

Schematic showing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) acquisition and transmission dynamics in the hospital ward.

Understanding the Drivers of Antimicrobial Resistance in East Africa: A Research Initiative Supported by Grand Challenges Africa Grand Challenges Africa enabled us to embark on a critical research study focused on the Drivers of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in East Africa. This generous funding marked a significant milestone in our efforts to address one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time.

The Significance of Antimicrobial Resistance

AMR threatens the effective prevention and treatment of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It is a growing concern in East Africa, where limited access to quality healthcare and the misuse of antibiotics exacerbate the problem. Understanding the factors driving AMR in the region is essential for developing targeted interventions and informing policy.

Our Research Goals

    🔹 **Investigate the Role of Healthcare Systems in AMR Transmission:**  
     Examine how healthcare infrastructure and practices influence resistance patterns in Africa.  

    🔹 **Provide Actionable Data:**  
     Generate insights to guide public health policies and interventions that can combat AMR effectively.

Our Results

  1. Transmission Dynamics of Antimicrobial Resistance at a National Referral Hospital in Uganda.
  2. Gastrointestinal Tract Colonization Rate of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria and Associated Factors Among Orthopaedic Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Tanzania: Implications for Infection Prevention.
  3. Increasing Antimicrobial Resistance in Surgical Wards at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda, from 2014 to 2018 – Cause for Concern?
  4. Virulence Genes and Plasmid Replicon Profiles of Selected β-Lactamase-Producing Acinetobacter baumannii from Orthopaedic Patients and the Environment in a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Tanzania, East Africa.