CAMO-Net Uganda recently marked an important milestone with the launch of a new antimicrobial stewardship interventional study at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda.
The project, led by CAMO-Net Fellow Dr Fiona Mutesi Magololo, is the first of its kind to apply a Quality Improvement (QI) approach to support rational antibiotic use on the hospital’s adult surgical wards. The study builds directly on Uganda’s National Antimicrobial Stewardship Manual, launched earlier in May 2025.
The launch event, held at IDI-Mulago, brought together a wide range of stakeholders from across the hospital. Attendees included Dr Ssekabira (Deputy Executive Director), Dr Orwotho Nobert (Clinical Head of Surgery), members of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee, the Infection Prevention and Control Head Nurse, laboratory staff, pharmacists, and nurses from the surgical wards. Their presence reflected a shared commitment to addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through practical, collaborative solutions.
In his opening remarks, CAMO-Net Uganda Lead Dr Andrew Kambugu drew a vivid analogy between antibiotics and the human heart, reminding participants of just how vital and precious these medicines are, and urging that they be protected as carefully as life itself. Dr Henry Kajumbula followed with a keynote speech that revisited the words of Alexander Fleming in 1945, when he warned that antibiotic misuse could lead to the global threat of resistance now being witnessed.
The CAMO-Net Uganda team, together with Dr Magololo, guided participants through the study protocol and introduced CAMO-Net’s Training and Capacity Strengthening Programme. Attendees shared their own experiences of antibiotic use on the wards and engaged in discussions on practical steps to strengthen stewardship practices.
The Head of Surgery expressed gratitude and pledged full support for the initiative. CAMO-Net Co-Investigator Dr Dathan Byonanebye then closed the proceedings with a memorable quote: “Antimicrobial resistance is the HIV of tomorrow.” He urged all stakeholders to act decisively to prevent AMR from becoming the next major health crisis.
The study was formally launched by the Deputy Executive Director, who thanked CAMO-Net for bringing this first intervention to Mulago and for being the first to implement the Ministry of Health’s antimicrobial stewardship guidelines using a collaborative QI approach.
The strong turnout, active participation, and enthusiasm from all corners of the hospital made the event a resounding success. The launch marked not only the beginning of a research project but also the start of a wider partnership with healthcare professionals to build capacity, strengthen stewardship, and improve patient outcomes.
As Dr Magololo and the team begin work on the adult surgical wards, CAMO-Net looks forward to the study’s potential impact at Mulago and beyond.
