The overuse and misuse of antibiotics can lead to the emergence of drug resistant bacteria, known as Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). AMR has risen alarmingly over the last 40 years and the discovery of new antibiotics cannot keep up.
AMR is a global problem that impacts all countries and all people, regardless of their wealth or status which is why this has been recognised by the World Health Organisation as a top public health priority. Resistant bacteria respect neither geographical nor ecological borders and the problem can impact humans, animals and the environment. This is why efforts to contain and control drug-resistant bacteria needs to be addressed using a “One Health” approach.
A Commonwealth Partnership for Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) scheme between Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Nottingham Trent University and the Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda has been set up to raise awareness of AMR and careful use of antibiotics in Central Uganda. This multi-disciplinary team considers how antibiotics are used in human healthcare, farming and veterinary industries and in the environment. Collectively, we consider how best to avoid infections and the spread of these and how we can use antibiotics to treat infections whilst not harming the use of these for future generations.
The project team has worked since 2019 to educate and train Healthcare Practitioners who in turn, educate and train Community Health Workers. These are volunteers who provide immunisations, mobilise public health issues and support childhood illness management. Thanks to everyone who donated previously to our Crowdfunding call. Our last fundraising efforts saw hand-wash facilities being delivered to the Zzinga and Bussi Islands on Lake Victoria so communities have access to these essential and life-saving measures. This enabled members of the community to practice infection prevention rather than just being taught. See our blog here for more information.
Money raised this time will be used to support additional hand-wash facilities at two hospitals in Nakaseke and Gombe. Additionally funds will be used for diagnostic equipment and resources to understand if people have a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics. This will ensure antibiotics are used correctly and only when needed.
Here are some examples of what your donations can provide the community:
50p - a bar of soap
£1 - hand sanitiser
£5 - a box of gloves / antibacterial wipes
£10 - Laboratory equipment such as flasks and measuring cylinders
You can read our latest blog of our work here.