Two significant agendas were launched on June 22 and June 28, 2023, to drive research on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in human health and One Health.
Two agendas to drive innovation and implementation research
The global research agenda for AMR in human health, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), encompasses 40 research topics that address drug-resistant bacteria, fungi, and mycobacteria. Its primary goal is to promote innovation and advance implementation research, providing a strong foundation for the development of new strategies to combat AMR in human health.
The One Health Priority Research Agenda, developed by the Quadripartite organizations, with support from ICARS, aims to prevent and reduce AMR in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) by fostering collaboration across sectors. It focuses on five pillars: transmission, integrated surveillance, interventions, behavioral insights and change, and economics and policy.
The valuable data generated from these research initiatives will contribute to the formulation of policies and interventions to enhance the global response to AMR.
ICARS commitment to AMR mitigation in both human and One Health
In line with the objectives of both research agenda, ICARS draws on intervention and implementation research to co-develop projects with local stakeholders. By adopting a solution-oriented approach, ICARS works closely with partners including ministries and research organisations in LMICs. Together, they identify areas of pressing need and support research to generate evidence that will contribute to the mitigation of AMR in local settings.
ICARS currently supports over 30 projects on the ground, spanning 16 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. These projects cover a diverse range of themes, including child and women’s health, laboratory capacity strengthening, manure treatment, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and surgical antibiotic prophylaxis, addressing local needs.
Two multi-stakeholder webinars to kick off the events
The launch of both agendas was conducted through separate webinars. ICARS actively contributed to the development of the One Health Priority Research Agenda via the secondment of Senior Advisor Tine Rikke Jørgensen. The agenda was launched online, inviting input from various panellists, including ICARS’ Scientific Director, Dr. Robert Skov, who emphasised the importance of collaborative and holistic implementation approaches.
The global research agenda for AMR in human health was moderated by Prof. Sabiha Essack, Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and a Senior Implementation Research advisor at ICARS. The webinar facilitated valuable comments and reflections from a wide range of experts.
Through active participation and close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other stakeholders, ICARS reaffirms its commitment to implementation and intervention research across the One Health spectrum.
Read the One Health Priority Research Agenda
Read the Global Research Agenda for AMR in Human health
Resources
- Find out more about ICARS projects and mission.
- Read the One Health Priority Research Agenda
- Read the Global Research Agenda for AMR in Human health
Photo credits
- WHO, Sarah Pabst
- WHO webinar launching the global research agenda for AMR in human health, Prof. Sabiha Essack