The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has joined forces with the Commonwealth Pharmacist’s Association (CPA) and the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) to officially launch the Commonwealth Partnerships for Antimicrobial Stewardship (CwPAMS 2) programme. This initiative, funded by the United Kingdom (UK) government’s Fleming Fund, aims to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through capacity building and knowledge exchange.
The CwPAMS 2 program, with a budget of £4.6 million, will provide grants to Health Partnership projects that leverage the expertise of UK health institutions and technical experts to strengthen Nigeria’s national health workforce and institutions, along with those in seven other Commonwealth countries. The program seeks to address challenges related to AMR while promoting bidirectional learning opportunities.
As the coordinating entity for AMR, the NCDC recognizes the global and national significance of addressing this complex public health threat. If current trends continue, it is predicted that by 2050, AMR could result in up to 10 million deaths annually and cause a staggering $100 trillion loss in economic activity. To combat this, the NCDC emphasizes collaboration and partnerships, such as the CwPAMS initiative, as outlined’s One-Health National action plan on AMR.
The newly awarded grants will focus on driving best practices in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), building pharmacy capacity and expertise, and strengthening surveillance. Five tertiary hospitals – Babcock University Teaching Hospital, University Teaching Hospital Enugu, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, University College Hospital Ibadan, and Lagos University Teaching Hospital – have been selected to implement the phase two grant from this year until March 2025. The THET and the CPA will manage the CwPAMS 2 program.
The NCDC expresses its gratitude to the CPA and THET for organizing the launch event and supporting the selected hospitals in implementing AMS. The grants will augment the country’s current AMS interventions across all levels of healthcare, aligning with the AMR national action plan. The NCDC congratulates the CwPAMS grant holders for their commitment throughout the application process and hopes that this opportunity will improve healthcare services and reduce the emergence and spread of AMR in their facilities.
What do we know about the Fleming Fund; The Fleming Fund, a UK aid program under the Department of Health and Social Care, supports up to 25 countries in Africa and Asia in tackling AMR, a significant global public health threat. The fund invests in strengthening data surveillance systems through country grants, regional grants, and fellowships managed by Mott MacDonald, as well as global projects managed by partners.
The THET is a global health charity that collaborates with governments, health institutions, and international bodies to train healthcare workers and strengthen health systems in 31 countries. Their approach includes grants management, capacity building, research, convening, and advocacy, all with the aim of achieving Universal Health Coverage. At the core of their work are Health Partnerships, fostering long-term relationships between UK and LMIC health institutions to improve health services through the exchange of skills, knowledge, and experience.
About the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA): Established in 1969, the CPA serves as a resource and support network for professional pharmacy associations and individual pharmacists. They welcome and support various healthcare organizations from Commonwealth countries and beyond, in addition to individual pharmacists. Accredited by the Commonwealth and an active member of the Commonwealth Health Professions and Partners Alliance, the CPA plays an essential role in advancing healthcare in the Commonwealth nations.
With the launch of the CwPAMS 2 programme, Nigeria takes a significant step forward in tackling AMR and strengthening its healthcare system. Through collaboration, capacity building, and knowledge sharing, this initiative aims to make a substantial impact in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, safeguarding the health and well-being of the population.
