Improving Healthcare Systems to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistant Infections in Uganda

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global challenge, the impact of which is felt most
acutely in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Salford’s unique social science-led, multidisciplinary approach demonstrates how holistic systems change can be applied to tackle AMR
in LMICs such as Uganda. Salford’s work has directly led to sustained improvements in
antimicrobial stewardship amongst health workers in Uganda, changing behaviour in the
following areas: infection prevention and control (IPC); wound management; culture-andsensitivity testing; antibiotic use; and rational prescribing. Our basic molecular microbiology
research has created an evidence base to improve procurement of antibiotics for both treatment
and AMR surveillance. Overall, these changes have reduced the number of deaths associated
with maternal sepsis, significantly shortened patient stays and lowered readmission rates to
hospital, along with reducing the costs associated with treatment.

This case study was submitted to REF 2021. For more information and to download the full case study, click here