Implementing AMR Surveillance Sustainably in Africa: Insights and Lessons from Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda

Implementing AMR Surveillance Sustainably in Africa: Insights and Lessons from Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda

Blog, Case Studies
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global public health menace. When antimicrobials are ineffective against previously treatable infections, it undermines the ability of health systems around the world to treat even minor infections, resulting in more expensive treatments, and excess mortality and morbidity when infections become untreatable. A recent study on the burden of AMR estimates nearly 5 million deaths associated with bacterial AMR in 2019, with 1.3 million deaths attributable to bacterial AMR 1, suggesting that AMR is at least as large as HIV and malaria. Of all the regions, Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest mortality rate from bacterial AMR at 27.3 deaths per 100,000.1 This high burden is exacerbated by a shortage of trained professionals and limited microbiology laboratory capabilities. In fact, only 1.3% of the 50,000 medical laboratories in…
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Sustainability Planning for Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance: Digital Case Studies Series on Antimicrobial Resistance from Kenya, Ghana, and Uganda.

Sustainability Planning for Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance: Digital Case Studies Series on Antimicrobial Resistance from Kenya, Ghana, and Uganda.

Case Studies
via Innovations in Healthcare. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global public health menace. The highest mortality rates are seen in Sub-Saharan Africa, where there is a significant shortage of trained professionals and microbiology laboratories for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. To address this, Pfizer Inc., Wellcome Trust, and the Ministries of Health in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda initiated the Surveillance Partnership to Improve Data for Action on AMR (SPIDAAR), a pilot public-private partnership. SPIDAAR aimed to enhance AMR surveillance by training staff in eight hospitals across four countries to conduct diagnostics on 100 isolates per site for five leading pathogens. The isolates were sent to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) in South Africa for confirmation, facilitating trend analysis and feedback on culture accuracy. In May 2021, Pfizer engaged Innovations…
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May 2024 Monthly Roundup

May 2024 Monthly Roundup

News
The “Monthly Roundup” is a monthly newsletter dedicated to sharing the latest news from the  Duke Global Health Innovation Center and Innovations in Healthcare. View the May 2024 newsletter. Subscribe to the monthly newsletter.
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Duke Course Empowers Budding Leaders to Solve Global Health Problems

Duke Course Empowers Budding Leaders to Solve Global Health Problems

Blog
The Duke Global Health Innovation Center (Duke GHIC) and Innovations in Healthcare (IiH) adhere to core values, including education and capacity building, which improve access to quality, affordable healthcare worldwide. Supporting this core value, we partner with the Duke Global Health Institute’s (DGHI) global health capstone course. This course embodies the intersection of education, innovation, and collaboration in addressing global health challenges. Through experiential learning and mentorship, it empowers students to become catalysts for positive change, preparing the next generation of global health leaders. DGHI’s Class of 2024 undergraduate global health majors Photo by: Chris Hildreth/Rooster Media Productions Bridging Theory and PracticeAt the start of this semester-long partnership, students break into small teams based on their health interests. Then, they are matched with a selected Innovations in Healthcare network innovator to design a practical solution to the innovators’…
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April 2024 Monthly Roundup

April 2024 Monthly Roundup

News
The “Monthly Roundup” is a monthly newsletter dedicated to sharing the latest news from the  Duke Global Health Innovation Center and Innovations in Healthcare. View the April 2024 newsletter. Subscribe to the monthly newsletter.
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Allow us to re-introduce ourselves

Allow us to re-introduce ourselves

Blog
Allow us to re-introduce ourselves Unveiling the new and improved Duke Global Health Innovation Center website We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new and improved website. After months of planning, design, and development, we are excited to finally unveil an innovative digital experience that reflects our commitment to addressing critical health challenges worldwide. So, what can you expect from the revamped Duke Global Health Innovation Center website? Let’s explore a few of the updates: Streamlined Navigation: Whether you're exploring our initiatives, browsing our research, or looking for ways to stay connected, our intuitive navigation menu makes it easier for you to find the information you need. Comprehensive Resources: From research reports and case studies to toolkits and blogs, you have access to health innovation, policy, financing, and…
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Webinar: Integrating AI to Improve Frontline Healthcare Delivery

Webinar: Integrating AI to Improve Frontline Healthcare Delivery

News, Webinar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw8thOfJrFM Innovations in Healthcare and the Bayer Foundation convened a panel discussion on “Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Improve Frontline Healthcare Delivery.” Speakers highlighted several promising use cases of smartphone-based AI interventions used by community health workers in low-resource settings. Innovations in Healthcare presented new research on the topic, highlighting key considerations for deploying AI to this important cadre of the health system. Speakers include: Natalie Maricich, Product Manager, Audere Eliab Mwiseneza, Child Health and Malaria Technical Officer, Jhpiego Rwanda Sarah Grieves, Strategic Partnerships Lead, Simprints Barry Finette, Founder, THINKMD Moderated by Elina Urli Hodges, Assistant Director, Programs at Innovations in Healthcare and the Duke Global Health Innovation Center.
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The lasting impact of 2023 Team Week

The lasting impact of 2023 Team Week

Blog
Reflections following the Duke Global Health Innovation Center + Innovations in Healthcare Team Week Last week, team members from across the globe convened in Durham, North Carolina, for our annual Duke Global Health Innovation Center + Innovations in Healthcare Team Week.  Our highly anticipated Team Week fosters camaraderie, communication, and collaboration through engaging activities, both in and outside of the office; a welcome reprieve from the oft fast-paced environment where one could easily become consumed by their deadlines, emails, and the like.  Day 1: Setting the stage Team Week started with a simple request: “Share a picture that shows something you are proud of from the past year.”   This simple question garnered an array of inspirational stories, laughter, tears, and genuine joy for one another’s personal achievements. Each photo enabled us…
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A Glimpse into the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

A Glimpse into the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

Blog
Reflections following the United Nations General Assembly. Health is an investment, not an expense. The 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78) focused on "Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all." UNGA78 brought world leaders to New York City, USA in September 2023 to discuss pressing global health challenges. The event featured three high-level meetings on health, addressing: Pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response; Tuberculosis; and, Universal health coverage (UHC). Members of the Duke Global Health Innovation Center (Duke GHIC) and Innovations in Healthcare (IiH) were honored to attend and participate in several side events. This blog explores highlights from the various sessions our team participated in. Leading with Purpose…
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Zambia’s COVID-19 Case Manager Leads Country’s Successful Test-and-Treat Roll Out

Zambia’s COVID-19 Case Manager Leads Country’s Successful Test-and-Treat Roll Out

Blog
October 11, 2023 By Nellie Bristol Zambia was facing a 5th COVID-19 wave in December 2022, when it gained a new tool to fight the disease: its first ever shipments of oral antivirals. Infectious disease physician Nyuma Mbewe, fresh from completing her medical residency and elevated to National COVID-19 Case Management Specialist within the Zambia Ministry of Health, was charged with ensuring the life-saving drugs reached those in need. With the help of colleagues, including critical support from Zambia’s Director of Infectious Diseases Lloyd Mulenga, she and her team quickly created the distribution and tracking systems, training materials, and public communications required. Aided by Mbewe’s leadership, Zambia made nirmatrelvir/ritonavir available within days of its arrival and administered more than 400 courses over a two-month period. The quick action provided protection…
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