Guest blog by Patricia Nabisubi, CAMO-Net Uganda
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is often discussed in terms of policies, surveillance frameworks, and global strategies. Yet, in practice, the effectiveness of these efforts depends heavily on the people working behind the data, their skills, confidence, and ability to translate evidence into action. My recent hands-on AMR training in Ghana marked a defining moment in my work, fundamentally changing how I approach AMR research, analysis, and collaboration.
Before this training, my work was grounded in strong analytical concepts but often involved fragmented workflows. Data cleaning, analysis, and interpretation existed as separate steps rather than as a single, intentional process. During the training, this changed. Through sustained hands-on engagement with real AMR datasets, I developed a coherent, reproducible AMR analysis pipeline that integrates laboratory results, surveillance data, and epidemiological context in a structured manner.
This shift transformed my work from exploratory analysis to purpose-driven research. Instead of analysing data in isolation, I now design analyses with clear downstream use in mind, whether for surveillance reporting, antimicrobial stewardship discussions, or informing policy-relevant conversations. The pipeline I developed during the training is not just a technical output; it is a practical tool that will continue to evolve as my research progresses.
Equally transformative was the way the training reshaped my confidence as a researcher. Making analytical decisions in real time, understanding how those decisions shape conclusions, and communicating results clearly strengthened my sense of ownership over my work. AMR analysis moved from a collection of methods to a strategic instrument that can be adapted, shared, and scaled.
The training also expanded my work beyond individual effort by opening doors to regional collaboration. Engaging with researchers and staff from the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) created opportunities for meaningful technical exchange and shared learning. These interactions went beyond networking; they laid the foundation for future collaborations, joint research ideas, and cross-regional capacity building. Through these exchanges, my work became part of a broader scientific conversation rather than a standalone activity.
Perhaps the most lasting impact of the training was its reshaping of my research trajectory. It sparked new questions and possibilities: How can AMR analysis pipelines be harmonised across countries? How can data better support stewardship decisions in resource-limited settings? How do we move from isolated excellence to sustained regional capacity? These questions now actively guide my current and future research.
This training did not simply add skills to my toolbox; it reframed how I work. It connected data to decision-making, individual effort to collective impact, and present activities to future collaborations. What began as a training experience has become the starting point for a new phase of my work, one defined by stronger analytical foundations, deeper partnerships, and research designed from the outset to matter.
