Two CAMO-Net researchers based in South Africa – Professor Natalie Schellack and Dr Dena van den Bergh – have been celebrated in a new editorial spotlighting the global leadership of women in antimicrobial stewardship and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The article, Women trailblazers shaping the global future of antimicrobial stewardship and antimicrobial resistance, was published in the journal Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy.
Their inclusion among a select group of international experts highlights not only the calibre of their work, but the growing global recognition of the vital contributions made by women leading efforts to address AMR – a major and rising threat to public health.
Professor Schellack is widely regarded as a pioneer in pharmacy practice in South Africa, having led key national AMR strategies, helped found the South African Society of Clinical Pharmacists, and developed the country’s first web-based application for measuring antimicrobial use. Her work has been pivotal in strengthening the role of pharmacists within AMS teams and improving patient safety across resource-limited settings.
Dr van den Bergh’s innovative approach blends systems engineering and healthcare leadership to drive quality improvement in AMR and infection prevention. As a founding member of the South Africa Antibiotic Stewardship Programme, she has led large-scale AMS implementation studies across public and private sectors, helping transform clinical practice using contextually relevant tools and collaborative methodologies.
Their inclusion in the publication is a significant accolade, shining a spotlight on their commitment to mentorship, innovation, and health systems change – and on the broader impact of CAMO-Net South Africa in the AMR landscape.
Based in the Division of Infectious Diseases & HIV Medicine at the University of Cape Town, CAMO-Net’s National Hub in South Africa is led by Professors Marc Mendelson and Esmita Charani. The team undertakes world-leading research on AMR and stewardship, and has strong links to both national and global policy.
Their work focuses on implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programmes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with expertise spanning organisational and individual behaviour change, team dynamics, and innovation adoption. The team also plays an important role in public and community engagement through its partnership with Eh!Woza – a collaboration between scientists, artists, an NGO, and young people from Khayelitsha.
The recognition of Professor Schellack and Dr van den Bergh reinforces the global significance of CAMO-Net South Africa’s work and reflects the growing leadership of African researchers in shaping the future of AMR response.
Reactions
Professor Natalie Schellack: “The recognition of women’s leadership in antimicrobial stewardship reflects not just individual achievements, but the collective strength that emerges when diverse perspectives unite to tackle global health challenges. In South Africa, we’ve learned that contextually relevant solutions require collaborative approaches that embrace our unique healthcare landscape. When women are empowered to lead in AMR, we bring essential insights from our experiences in caregiving, patient advocacy, and community engagement. This recognition is particularly meaningful as it highlights how mentorship and supportive networks can amplify our impact. Moving forward, it’s crucial that we continue to foster inclusive environments where the next generation of women can thrive in antimicrobial stewardship, ensuring that diverse voices continue to shape evidence-based solutions that serve all communities.”
Dr Dena Van Den Bergh: “I feel honoured to be a collaborator in writing this paper bringing together the shared experience of women in AMS whose paths have crossed during our journey. Hearing their stories highlighted that we need more trailblazers in tackling antibiotic resistance and uncovered the common strengths and traits that are needed to transform challenges into opportunities.
As women in healthcare, we have often hold back from telling our stories forgetting how sharing stories can raise awareness about the challenges we all are committed to tackling and ignite the type of solutions we see as the way forward. We also tell our stories to remind others walking the path of the trailblazer that they are not alone. I would never have imagined it was possible to find so many women leaders in AMS that would not only cheer each other on but be generous in collaborating and sharing ideas to advance our work! We are just a small representation of global women that have made an impact in AMS and healthcare change. I trust our paper inspires others to embrace being an AMS trailblazer and tell their own stories.“
