From 11-15 November, clinicians and researchers from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) gathered in France for an intensive training course on AMR from a One Health perspective. In attendance was Sahanaz Parvin, a research assistant for IOI’s BALANCE project, working at Rangpur Medical College and Hospital in Bangladesh. We caught up with Sahanaz to hear about her key take-aways from the course.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global health, with devastating implications for patient outcomes, public health systems and economic development, particularly in LMICs. As a clinician and researcher committed to addressing this issue, I had the privilege of attending an intensive five-day AMR training course in Veyrier-du- Lac, France. The course covered key aspects of AMR aligned with the five WHO Global Action Plan on AMR (GAP) strategic objectives:
Improving awareness & understanding of AMR.
Strengthening knowledge and evidence through surveillance and research.
Reducing infection incidence through effective hygiene and infection prevention measures.
Optimizing the use of antimicrobial agents.
Sustaining investments in AMR containment activities.
Each day we explored a different aspect of AMR in depth, learning about existing projects and strategies being implemented to monitor and control the spread of AMR. This included discussion of infection prevention control measures, the importance of a One Health approach, and antimicrobial stewardship programs.
The course highlighted some of the challenges that LMICs face in implementing AMR solutions, including limited resources and gaps in surveillance. We focused on the opportunities for action, such as building capacity in LMICs to monitor AMR and implement interventions. This course is a good example of how clinicians and researchers can gain skills through training and education, to apply to their own contexts.
Overall, the course equipped me with a deeper understanding of the global and local dimensions of AMR. As a clinician and researcher from a LMIC I'm more committed than ever to addressing this crisis. While challenges remain, targeted interventions, robust surveillance, and collaboration across sectors can pave the way for meaningful progress. Moving forward, I aim to integrate the knowledge gained into my clinical practice and research to contribute to the global fight against AMR.
