Antimicrobial resistance is a significant global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Malawi, frequent stockouts of essential medicines and the widespread dispensing of antibiotics without prescriptions have exacerbated the AMR burden, highlighting the urgent need for robust antimicrobial stewardship interventions.
A study led by researchers at UNC Project-Malawi with members of the UNC Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases presents the first documented baseline assessment of AMS core elements across six public healthcare facilities within Malawi’s AMR sentinel surveillance network. Of the six hospitals assessed, only one (Kamuzu Central Hospital) demonstrated strong implementation of AMS core elements. The barriers for other facilities included limited leadership commitment, infrequent AMS ward rounds, and inconsistent education for healthcare workers. The research team suggests that targeted interventions can strengthen leadership, establish feasible facility-level AMS actions, and build sustainable capacity among healthcare workers. Understanding the baseline status of AMS implementation provides a critical reference point to guide future interventions, inform policy, and prioritize resources in the national response to AMR. The analysis was published in Frontiers in Public Health.
Authors of the study include: Ronald Chitatanga, Chikhulupiliro Yiwombe, Oscar Divala, Mwayi Prudence Msokera, Ellen Banda, Hope Chadwala, Manuel Wellington Gilmon, Wezi Kaminyoghe, Innocent Chibwe, Harry Milala, Alinafe Kawerama, Kenneth Nyoni, Chikumbutso Mpanga, Christina Mwinjiwa, Akuzike Makondesa, Maurice Mwehiwa, Donald Mlombwa, Daniel Namalawe, Silver Benito, Emmie Jingini, Evelyn Wesangula, Martin Matu, Emily Ciccone, Robert Krysiak, Collins Mitambo and Titha Dzowela.