Identifying and Addressing Challenges to Antimicrobial Use Surveillance in the Human Health Sector in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Experiences and Lessons Learned from Tanzania and Uganda
Identifying and Addressing Challenges to Antimicrobial Use Surveillance in the Human Health Sector in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Experiences and Lessons Learned from Tanzania and Uganda
By: Reuben Kiggundu, Edgar Lusaya, Jeremiah Seni, J. P. Waswa, Francis Kakooza, Dinah Tjipura, Kate Kikule, Cecilia Muiva, Mohan P. Joshi, Andy Stergachis, Freddy Eric Kitutu & Niranjan Konduri
Publication: Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control; 9 February 2023. DOI: 10.1186/s13756-023-01213-3
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health security threat and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. One of the key drivers of AMR is the inappropriate use of antibiotics. A key component of improving antibiotic use is conducting antimicrobial use (AMU) surveillance.
The USAID Medicines Technologies and Pharmaceutical Services (MTaPS) Program has supported the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship activities, including setting up systems for AMU surveillance in Tanzania and Uganda. Results from both countries have been previously published. However, additional implementation experience and lessons learned from addressing challenges to AMU surveillance have not been previously published and are the subject of this narrative article.