WHO has listed Antimicrobial Resistance among the top 10 global health threats facing humanity. Based on recent evidences in the year 2019, approximately 1.27 million deaths were directly linked to infections with resistance to drugs on a worldwide scale. By the year 2050, it is anticipated that as many as 10 million deaths could transpire annually. Moreover, In the absence of effective interventions, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) has the potential to decrease the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by US$ 3.4 trillion each year and push an additional 24 million individuals into extreme poverty within the coming decade.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a natural process that typically evolves gradually through genetic alterations. Resistant microorganisms to antimicrobials can be detected in various domains, encompassing humans, animals, food, plants, and the surrounding ecosystem, which includes water, soil, and the atmosphere. These resistant germs (Also known as Superbugs) have the potential to disseminate either through person-to-person transmission or through interactions between humans and animals. The principal drivers of antimicrobial resistance encompass the inappropriate use and overconsumption of antimicrobial agents, insufficient access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for both human and animal populations, suboptimal infection and disease prevention and control practices in healthcare institutions and agricultural settings, limited access to high-quality, affordable medications, vaccines, and diagnostic tools, inadequate public awareness and knowledge, and deficient enforcement of regulatory measures.
Through our Capacity Building Pillar. We are running the Antibiotic Stewardship Program in collaboration with several stakeholders to empower Rwandan Healthcare providers to become antibiotic stewards who preserve antimicrobials in their daily clinical practice and educate patients to handle antimicrobials with care. We inspire Rwanda and LMICs healthcare practitioners to build strong local antimicrobial stewardship programs. Where the use of antimicrobial agents is optimized to maximize their benefits while minimizing risks for further development of antimicrobial resistance. Through this Program we have developed on online 10 CPD acredited course to equip healthcare providers both clilicians and para-clinicians with an understanding of antimicrobial resistance from a global health perspective. It highlights the scientific understanding of antimicrobial resistance, principles in antimicrobial prescribing and dispensing, and global health perspective implications.
Moreover, We organize workshops for healthcare providers for local hospitals and health centers aiming at empowering a AMR steward at every healthcare setting.
Are you a healthcare provider, and would like to learn more about antimicrobial resistance with us? here is a link to take our online course. Have you got a question? want to partner with us? Just drop us a line at info.oazishealth@gmail.com | info@oazis.rw
I am a final year pharmacy student at University of Rwanda and I am really interested in your antimicrobial stewardship program. So am I eligible to apply for enrollment?
Dear Telesphore, thanks for reaching out. You are eligible to sign up for the program, please do and share with your fellow students. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any difficulty along the way. Together, we can contain Antimicrobial Resistance.
OAZIS Health Team