AMS Behavioral project

Project Topic: Using a behavioural approach to design an antimicrobial stewardship intervention in healthcare facilities in Kampala, Mukono and Luwero Districts, Uganda

Summary of the project:

The AMS Behavioral project is implemented by Makerere University School of Public Health. The project seeks to to obtain a better understanding of the rational use of antibiotics and set up antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs in selected health care facilities in Uganda.

Globally, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health challenge and is one of the top 10 threats to global health. It is a neglected global crisis and requires urgent action. Inappropriate use of antibiotics in humans and animals is one of the main drivers of antibiotic resistance. The greatest impact of AMR is felt by low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where infectious diseases are most common and there is widespread use of antibiotics. The world health organization (WHO) formulated a global action plan to tackle AMR (GAP) by promoting rational use of antimicrobials amongst other strategies. Under the GAP, antimicrobial stewardship programs is one of the key interventions. AMS programs have shown promise in promoting rational use of antibiotics and improving patient outcomes in high-income settings (HIC), however they have not yet been successfully implemented in LMIC settings such as Uganda.

The AMS Behavioral project therefore seeks to:

1. Explore the barriers to and facilitators for rational use of antibiotics and setting up AMS programs in HCFs in Uganda.
2. Develop, pilot an AMS behavioural intervention and assess its acceptability, feasibility and effect to foster appropriate antibiotic prescription in HCFs in Uganda.
3. Assess the cost of the intervention in fostering rational use of antibiotics in Uganda.