Guest blog by Babirye Zubaina, Research Nurse, CAMO-Net Travel Grant Awardee, Infectious diseases Institute, Uganda Hub

From the 13th to 17th July 2025, I had the privilege of attending the 13th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Science held in Kigali, Rwanda, with support from the CAMO-Net Travel Grant. The conference brought together several thousand participants from across the globe,including scientists, policymakers, programme implementers, Academicians, Journalists and advocates dedicated to advancing the global HIV/AIDS response. This experience was enriching and transformative, providing deep insights into the latest scientific breakthroughs, ongoing challenges and innovative strategies shaping the future of HIV prevention treatment and care.

Advances in HIV Science.
The IAS 2025 provided an exceptional platform to engage with global experts and explore groundbreaking developments in HIV Science. A major highlight was the emphasis on long acting HIV prevention technologies, which are revolutionizing adherence and accessibility.

Key innovations included:

• Lenacapavir (LEN)—a twice yearly injectable PrEP drug recently endorsed by the WHO;
• Injectable Cabotegravir (CAB-LA)—demonstrating strong real-world effectiveness;
• MK-8527—a promising oral pill under study in several countries including Uganda and this could represent a paradigm shift from the injectable formulations.

These innovations among others are reshaping HIV prevention, particularly among key populations that face unique adherence challenges.

Antibiotic Use and Antimicrobial Resistance
Although HIV science was the central focus, some of the sessions tackled the
use of antibiotics in HIV-related care and the broader challenge of Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)—a rapidly growing global health crisis undermining decades of progress in infectious disease control. A key topic was Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis(doxyPEP), an antibiotic used after sexual exposure to prevent bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia & syphilis.

Evidence presented showed that doxyPEP is highly effective against chlamydia
and syphilis but has variable effectiveness against gonorrhea. Experts emphasized the importance of balancing doxyPEP’s public health benefits of doxyPEP with the potential risk of accelerating antibiotic resistance especially in Neisseria Gonorrhea infections.

HIV-TB Co-Infection Management
Another major theme was Tuberculosis (TB). TB is one of the most common and challenging HIV Co-infections. Updated WHO guidelines were presented, recommending a three-month preventive regimen of rifapentine and isoniazid(3HP). Discussions also explored drug-drug interactions between emerging HIV medications like LEN and TB antibiotics like rifampicin and rifabutin, highlighting the need for integrated pharmacological management in co-infected patients.

Broader AMR Concerns
A WHO report presented at the conference revealed that one in every six laboratory-confirmed bacterial infections globally in 2023 was resistant to antibiotics. This alarming statistic underscored the urgency of promoting responsible use of antibiotics across all health sectors, robust surveillance and
cross-sectoral antimicrobial stewardship.

These conversations demonstrated that HIV programs and AMR control efforts
are deeply interconnected. Both require strong and continuous surveillance systems, targeted implementation among high-risk populations, rational medicine use and sustained investment in research, innovation and capacity building.

African Leadership and Innovation
IAS 2025 also highlighted Africa’s expanding role in leading health innovation.
The launch of The Africa Cure Consortium exemplified this momentum—an
African-led initiative driving research and fostering scientific collaboration
across the continent.

The conference reaffirmed the importance of Africa-Led research and domestic
investment to ensure sustainability, particularly in light of recent global funding cuts. The same innovative drive that has propelled advances in HIV science must now extend to addressing antimicrobial resistance.

Personal Reflection
Attending IAS 2025 was an eye-opening experience that bridged lessons from the field of HIV with the broader challenge of antimicrobial resistance. The discussions on doxyPEP, TB co-infections, and drug-drug interactions reinforced how interconnected these health priorities are.

As AMR continues to rise, the HIV response offers valuable guidance demonstrating how scientific rigor, innovation, and local leadership can transform global health challenges into opportunities for resilience and progress. The future of infectious disease control will depend on one unifying principle: responsible, evidence-based science; sustainable systems, and Africa-led solutions.

CAMO-Net Uganda has published the country’s first national cost-of-illness study to estimate the societal economic burden of antibiotic resistance (ABR), revealing a substantial toll on patients, families, and the wider economy. Published in Springer Nature, the study also highlights the disproportionate impact ABR has on women.

Drawing on detailed costing and clinical outcomes data from nine regional referral hospitals, the study estimates that ABR cost Uganda US$1.43 million in 2024, equivalent to 0.003% of the country’s GDP. Of this, 82% of the total economic burden was attributed to lost productivity, reflecting the long-term consequences of prolonged illness, complications, and premature mortality associated with resistant infections.

The research team used a societal perspective to capture direct healthcare costs, informal care, and productivity losses. They found that the average annual cost per ABR patient was US$4,983, with families shouldering the overwhelming majority of this burden.

While CAMO-Net’s work typically focuses on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) more broadly, including resistance to antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitic medicines, this study examines antibiotic resistance (ABR) specifically. ABR refers to resistance in bacteria alone, which is the dominant driver of hospital admissions, prolonged treatment, and patient-level costs in Uganda’s health system. Using ABR as the central analytic category aligns with the study’s clinical dataset and ensures precision when estimating direct healthcare, informal care, and productivity losses.

A gendered burden

One of the study’s most striking findings is the gender disparity: women experienced 29% higher total societal costs and 21% higher per-patient costs from resistant infections compared with men. Costs on informal care, lost productivity, and direct healthcare,  all fell more heavily on women.

These differences reflect broader social and economic factors, including women’s roles as caregivers, their increased likelihood of self-medication, and barriers to accessing timely healthcare.

Evidence to guide action

The study fills a critical evidence gap in Uganda and the wider region. While ABR is widely recognised as a growing public health challenge, very little empirical data has been available to support national decision-making, economic planning, or the design of stewardship interventions.

Dr Andrew Kambugu, CAMO-Net Uganda Lead, emphasised the importance of these findings for national planning:

“For years, Uganda has lacked robust evidence showing the true economic impact of antibiotic resistance on households and the health system. This study finally provides that clarity. It shows that ABR is not only a clinical problem but a major development issue – one that affects productivity, household finances, and gender equity. Policymakers can now act with greater precision and urgency.”

The study found that:

• Lost productivity, including  early retirement, sick leave, reduced productivity at work (presenteeism), and premature mortality, was the largest contributor to national losses.
• Informal care, including transport, accommodation, food, foregone leisure, reduced productivity at work (presenteeism), and time away from work (absenteeism), accounted for 10% of total costs.
• Direct healthcare costs, such as hospital care, personnel, equipment, and antibiotics, made up 8% of the total economic burden.
• Premature mortality alone represented 62% of all productivity losses.

These findings underscore how ABR extends far beyond the hospital, affecting families’ livelihoods and long-term well-being.

Strengthening antimicrobial stewardship

Elly Nuwamanya, CAMO-Net Researcher and Health Economist, and lead author on the paper, highlighted the importance of this evidence for designing targeted interventions:

“Our analysis shows that the economic burden of ABR is real, measurable, and unevenly distributed. Women are particularly more affected, and this must shape how Uganda designs stewardship and prevention programmes. By understanding where the costs fall, whether in lost productivity, informal care, or prolonged hospital stays, we can prioritise the interventions that offer the greatest societal benefit.”

The research also supports the implementation of Uganda’s National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance and complements CAMO-Net Uganda’s ongoing work to strengthen surveillance, stewardship, and cross-sector collaboration.

Next steps for Uganda and the region

The authors recommend that the findings be used to:

• guide resource allocation for stewardship programmes
• strengthen infection prevention and control strategies
• prioritise gender-responsive interventions
• inform future economic evaluations of AMR-related investments
• support ongoing advocacy for sustainable AMR financing

With ABR already widespread – affecting 88% of patients with bacterial growth in the study sample – the cost of inaction is likely to rise.

CAMO-Net Uganda, through the Infectious Diseases Institute at Makerere University, will continue to work with the Ministry of Health and national partners to translate this evidence into policy, practice, and improved patient outcomes across the country.

You can read the full paper here.

WAAW 2025: CAMO-Net’s highlights

On this final day of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) 2025, we’re taking a moment to look back at what has been an incredibly busy and inspiring week across the CAMO-Net community. From creative competitions and community dialogues to articles, debates and hands-on learning, our sites around the world have been active across sectors, disciplines and time zones, all working towards more responsible antimicrobial use.

Throughout the week, we’ve been sharing WAAW content across our social media channels – including our arcade-inspired visuals created for this year’s campaign.

Here are some of our highlights:

Spotlight: Meet the CAMO-Net Fellows

Meet some of our CAMO-Net Fellows – a talented group of early-career researchers contributing to safer, smarter and more effective antimicrobial use.

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Uganda: Progress and challenges in addressing AMR

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India: Turning AMR awareness into action

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WAAW Community Dialogue Webinar

CAMO-Net brought together participants from across our global network for a community dialogue event exploring approaches for supporting responsible antibiotic use.

Read more

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CAMO-Net Uganda: A little bit of everything

The Uganda team led a week of clinical, community and national engagement activities, including a journal club at IDI-Mulago, the launch of an AMR Club at St Martins Primary School, public engagement sessions and participation in the 10th National AMR Conference.

PCT Journal Club

The week kicked off at IDI-Mulago with a Prevention Care and Treatment programme Journal Club, where Dr Fiona Mutesi shared results from her study on prevalence, factors associated and experiences of antibiotic misuse among persons living with HIV at two large HIV clinics in kampala. This session brought together clinicians and researchers to discuss innovative diagnostic approaches that reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.

Launch of AMR Club & Community Engagement

At St Martins Primary School, CAMO-Net  Uganda hub launched an AMR Club to empower young learners as champions of responsible antibiotic use. The day also featured an AMR talk and drama team dance at IDI-Mulago, blending education with entertainment to engage the public creatively.

National AMR Conference

The spotlight shifted to the 10th National AMR Conference hosted by the National One Health Platform under the Ministry of Health. Discussions focused on Uganda’s progress in AMR surveillance, policy implementation, and community-level interventions.

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CAMO-Net India: Painting, photography and videos

CAMO-Net India organised painting, mobile photography and short video competitions on the theme “One Health and AMR”, engaging school and college students through creative formats.

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CAMO-Net Brazil: Photography competition

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CAMO-Net Pakistan: AMR Symposium

CAMO-Net Pakistan hosted an AMR symposium at Dow University of Health Sciences, highlighting current work and fostering collaboration ahead of WAAW. Read more

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CAMO-Net Ghana (WACCBIP): AMR Debate and hands-on learning

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CAMO-Net Timor-Leste: Stakeholder forum and student posters

Menzies Timor-Leste, through CAMO-Net, partnered with Universidade da Paz to commemorate WAAW.

The event brought together stakeholders from human and animal health sectors to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance and promote responsible antibiotic use and infection prevention practices. Hosted at Universidade da Paz in Dili, the programme included presentations and a panel discussion focused on coordinated action to strengthen health systems.

Activities also featured an AMR video presentation, a quiz, and a student poster competition. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, National Health Laboratory, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Universidade da Paz and other universities, along with the Menzies Timor-Leste team.

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Eh!Woza AMR animations (South Africa)

Eh!Woza – part of CAMO-Net South Africa – released a three-part animation series co-created with IkamvaYouth learners, researchers and media specialists. The videos explain AMR in accessible, youth-friendly formats across their digital platforms.

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CAMO-Net South Africa: Community advocates, traditional communication and trusted messages

CAMO-Net South Africa partnered with Eh!Woza to host a community engagement day at Groote Schuur Hospital, bringing community advocates from Khayelitsha together with researchers and health professionals to explore how AMR messages can be communicated in ways that feel meaningful, trusted and culturally grounded.

The event drew on traditional forms of communication – including song, dance and storytelling – to discuss the realities of antibiotic use at the community level. One of the songs presented on the day focused on the issue of sharing antibiotics, highlighting an everyday behaviour with important implications for responsible use.

A central theme running through the conversations was trust:
Where do people receive information they truly believe?
Participants shared that trusted sources vary widely – from NGOs working in local communities, to health workers speaking in clinic waiting rooms, to experts invited to speak at church, and even social media. As the group noted, there is no one-size-fits-all approach; understanding local contexts and communication traditions is essential.

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The Fleming Initiative: WAAW Billboard Campaign

The Fleming Initiative launched a public campaign on the Piccadilly Lights billboard in London, featuring personal stories from nearly 300 contributors across 30 countries on the impact antibiotics have had in their lives. Read more

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WAAW is always a reminder of what can be achieved when communities, researchers, clinicians, students and policymakers come together. We’re grateful to everyone across our community who contributed their creativity, insight and energy throughout the week.

Guest Blog by: Letícia Britto Costa, CAMO-Net Brazil

In December 2024, I had the privilege of receiving a travel grant from the CAMO-Net project to participate in two major events in Cape Town, South Africa: the 20th International Congress of Infectious Diseases (ICID) and the CAMO-Net meeting. These ten days were an incredible journey of learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Here are some of the highlights.
20th ICID

Plenary: “Updates on AMR”
Professor Anna Sara Levin, Principal Investigator of CAMO-Net Brazil, delivered a captivating plenary session, presenting key results from the study conducted in São Caetano do Sul, Brazil. With engaging storytelling, she provided an insightful overview of the research being carried out at the Brazilian Hub.

Poster Presentations
● Nazareno Scaccia, postdoctoral researcher, presented his investigation into antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli in aquatic environments in Brazil, Madagascar, and Cameroon during the COVID-19 pandemic. The methodology used in this study also underpins his CAMO-Net project.

● I presented findings from interviews with primary health care professionals in São Caetano do Sul, Brazil. This work served as the baseline for implementing an Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme in the municipality.

CAMO-Net Meeting in South Africa Workshops
Following the congress, we joined colleagues from across the globe for the CAMO-Net meeting—this time hosted in South Africa. Over two days, we participated in intensive, well-organized workshops led by our gracious hosts.

Brazil and Timor-Leste: Building Bridges
One of the most enriching experiences was working alongside our colleagues from Timor-Leste. We discovered remarkable similarities between our countries, including the shared Portuguese language and the organization of primary health care around the Family Health Strategy model.

In-Person Networking
Beyond the workshops, the meeting was a valuable chance to finally meet in person with colleagues we usually only see through a computer screen. Project managers and members of the Culture, Behaviour and Context Committee held productive face-to-face discussions—some even at the beach!

Final Reflections
These ten days were filled with knowledge exchange, professional growth, and strengthened collaborations. I am deeply grateful to the CAMO-Net Travel Grant for making this extraordinary experience possible.

Guest Blog by: Agata do Espirito Santo Soares, CAMO-Net Timor-Leste

In December 2024, infectious disease experts from around the world gathered in South Africa for the International Congress on Infectious Diseases (ISID) and the CAMO-Net Meeting. These events brought together over 2,500 participants to address one of the most pressing global health challenges: antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Why These Meetings Matter
AMR is a growing threat, fueled by factors such as climate change, poverty, and limited access to medicines. The ISID Congress provided a platform for sharing cutting-edge research and strategies to optimize antimicrobial use. For members of the Centres for Antimicrobial Optimisation Network (CAMO-Net), it was an opportunity to strengthen collaborations and exchange best practices.
Key Takeaways from ISID

Pharmacists’ Role in AMS:

Evidence from South Africa showed that pharmacist-led antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions improved treatment timelines across 33 hospitals. Global AMR Landscape: Presentations highlighted alarming resistance trends, such as MRSA rates of 65% and widespread carbapenem resistance in some regions. Discussions revealed systemic issues like low investment in health budgets and limited use of logistics management systems in low-resource settings.

CAMO-Net Collaboration
The CAMO-Net meeting emphasized the importance of in-person engagement for building trust and fostering innovation. Members from Timor-Leste and Brazil shared strategies for strengthening public health delivery, underscoring the value of global partnerships in tackling AMR.

Impact and Outcomes

• Enhanced professional development and understanding of AMS and AMR strategies.
• Provided networking opportunities with global infectious disease experts.
• Offered insights into evidence-based interventions and advanced pharmacokinetic optimization techniques.
• Highlighted actionable steps for countries like Timor-Leste, including improving surveillance systems and community engagement.

Final Thoughts:
AMR is not just a scientific challenge—it’s a social, economic, and political issue. Global collaboration, knowledge sharing, and commitment at all levels are essential to safeguard the effectiveness of antimicrobials for future generations.

Guest Blog by: Elizabeth Nakazibwe, CAMO-Net Uganda

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of participating in a month-long offsite placement through CAMO-Net, a key capacity-building initiative. Hosted by the University of Liverpool and Imperial College London, this opportunity was nothing short of incredible!

My placement focused on enhancing my skills in project management, and I was fortunate to learn from the best. I started with research coordinators, gaining insights into workflows, systems, and processes. I then moved to the Research Support Office, where I learned about resource allocation, budget monitoring, and financial systems—key aspects of effective project execution.

At Civic Health Innovation Labs, I was inspired by the power of stakeholder engagement and data-driven decision-making. I also had the unique opportunity to join Fleming Fund fellows, where antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was explained in simplified terms for non-scientists—an eye-opening session that deepened my understanding of its global burden.

One of the standout sessions was leadership training, where I learned that effective leadership is not one-size-fits-all. Flexibility is key—adapting leadership styles to different teams and situations enhances overall effectiveness.

At Imperial College, I explored the Essence Framework Tool, a performance-tracking system used by the hub to measure project success—reinforcing the importance of continuous evaluation. A visit to the Fleming Fund offices and the Fleming Museum was another highlight, where I saw the lab where penicillin was discovered—a truly historic moment!

As the training wrapped up, I delved into sessions on grant writing, project process work flow, budgets, and strategic planning—all crucial skills for managing large-scale projects. An insightful visit to the UK Parliament allowed me to understand policy, advocacy and importance of Research

Of course, it wasn’t all work! I attended several networking events, dinners, and even had the chance to tour the historic Houses of Parliament. The hospitality and warmth of the people I met made the experience even more memorable.

I am incredibly grateful to the teams at the University of Liverpool- (CAMO-Net hub, Civic Health Innovation Labs, Energy Transfer Technologies Doctoral Training Hub, Research Support Office) and Imperial College London – CAMO-Net hub for their time, guidance, and support.

By far, this has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career!

Guest Blog by: Esha Sheth, CAMO-Net UK

As a research assistant at the University of Liverpool, my role primarily involves assisting with protocol development, obtaining ethics approvals for non-CTIMP (Clinical Trial of Investigational Medicinal Product) research studies and public engagement. With a Master’s in Medical Microbiology under my belt and plans to pursue a PhD, attending the International Congress on Infectious Diseases (ICID) in Cape Town was an invaluable experience. It offered me the chance to connect with global experts in microbiology, immerse myself in groundbreaking discussions, and broaden my perspective on pressing global health challenges.

The bonus? It all happened in one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever visited. From the moment I landed and caught my first glimpse of Table Mountain towering over Cape Town, I knew this trip would be unforgettable.

I attended ICID as part of the Centres for Antimicrobial Optimisation Network (CAMO-Net) team. Before the event officially began, I helped the communications manager Chris Deputy set up our exhibitor stand in the bustling break/poster hall. This gave me an insider’s look at how such a large-scale event operates behind the scenes, which was a valuable learning experience in itself.

There was a total of 6 plenary lectures, and the most memorable one for me was presented by Professor Anna Levin from University of Sao Paolo. She gave us some very startling updates on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including the detection of antibiotics in drinking water., underscoring the growing global threat of AMR.

Another memorable plenary session for me was on rights, equity and ending AIDS presented by Professor Adeeba Kamarulzaman from Monash University. Having grown up in a low-middle-income country, I found this discussion particularly impactful. It reshaped my understanding of global health, emphasising that equity in healthcare (not equality) is key. Equity focuses resources where they are needed most, such as in regions heavily affected by diseases like AIDS and malaria.

One of the most engaging sessions I participated in during my trip was the CAMO-Net workshop at Monkey Valley. We were presented with a simulated crisis: an outbreak of a deadly drug-resistant bacterial infection in an informal settlement of over 1 million, within a larger city suffering from severe drought and low vaccination coverage.

Each group represented a different stakeholder i.e. government, NGOs (my group), healthcare workers, and the public. We were tasked with developing actionable strategies. The discussions were intense and insightful, touching on:

The consequences of the outbreak for different populations.
Populations most at risk.
Sociocultural considerations for policy making.
Key actions to prioritize.

After initial group discussions, we came together for a lively debate, each group defending their perspectives. The interactive format not only fostered collaboration but also shed light on the complexities of managing infectious disease outbreaks in resource-constrained settings.

The above workshop was just the beginning of a series of insightful discussions which delved into the human and social dimensions of antimicrobial resistance.

We explored how different countries approach public health challenges, and it was fascinating to see both the unique contexts and shared struggles across regions. Professor Esmita Charani and her team’s intersectional research further deepened my understanding of how social and cultural factors influence AMR.

The discussions were messy -just as Professor Sally Sheard described- but this messiness highlighted the importance of context in designing effective interventions. It was a powerful reminder that tackling AMR requires not just scientific innovation but also an appreciation of the complex social systems in which these challenges exist.

Writing this just weeks after the congress, I am still processing the wealth of knowledge I gained. From the cutting-edge research shared by global experts to the collaborative spirit of the workshops, ICID was an enriching experience that will undoubtedly shape my journey as a researcher.

Beyond the academic insights, attending ICID reinforced the importance of multidisciplinary approaches and global collaboration in addressing infectious diseases. It also reaffirmed my commitment to pursuing a PhD and contributing to this vital field.

Cape Town, with its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, was the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable experience. ICID wasn’t just a conference for me—it was a milestone in my career and a source of inspiration for the work ahead.

Attending ICID and participating in the CAMO-Net workshop wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of Jacky Crowley, Ellon Twinomuhwezi, and CAMO-Net who provided me with the travel grant.

As we mark World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) 2025 – guided by the global theme “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future” –  we reflect on the growing momentum behind efforts to address antimicrobial resistance across national, regional, and local levels in India.

Since India’s National Action Plan on AMR (NAP-AMR) was first introduced in 2017, there has been steady progress in updating and operationalising it. Following Kerala’s pioneering work on a State Action Plan for AMR, several other states have also designed and implemented their own strategies. Alongside government-led initiatives, scientific societies, healthcare organisations, and not-for-profit groups have created pragmatic frameworks, developed context-specific tools, and shared learning across sectors. National microbial surveillance efforts – including those driven by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – have also expanded to include data on antibiotic use and antimicrobial stewardship research.

At PGIMER, our antimicrobial stewardship activities began formally in 2015. Since then, the institute has been actively contributing across multiple levels – raising awareness, strengthening knowledge, conducting audits and feedback, shaping policy, advocating for change, contributing to national and regional initiatives, generating research, and mentoring other groups starting their stewardship journeys. A few highlights since joining CAMO-Net are summarised below.

CAMO-Net India: From Awareness to Action

Hosted at PGIMER Chandigarh and supported by Wellcome, CAMO-Net India is part of a global alliance dedicated to addressing AMR through science, systems thinking, and stewardship. In line with this year’s theme – Act Now – the India Hub is delivering practical interventions across five key pillars:

1. Addressing access to antibiotics and mitigating shortages

After analysing antibiotic access challenges across varied geographical settings, we are now working collaboratively to explore how the “pharmacy of the world” can better respond to supply-related vulnerabilities. Multiple partners are contributing towards developing a framework to support more reliable access.

2. Better use of existing antimicrobials

Our population pharmacokinetic (Pop-PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) studies are shaping more precise dosing strategies for groups often underrepresented in research – including the critically ill, neonates, and patients with renal dysfunction, particularly when infections involve resistant pathogens. Knowledge-sharing remains central to our approach: through webinars, off-site placements, collaborative work, and training activities. We now look forward to our upcoming workshop on 5 December during the next India meeting.

3. Building capacity and engagement

Through our institutional Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme (AMSP), we continue to empower clinicians, pharmacists, nurses, and researchers to become champions of responsible antibiotic use. Recent initiatives include a workshop for Medical Officers working across primary health centres in Punjab, supported by an ICMR-funded project, and a dedicated workshop for nurses which has inspired further similar programmes.

Recognising the need for flexible, contextually relevant training for LMICs, we launched Surgeons for Rational Use of Antimicrobials – a self-paced online module delivered by a multidisciplinary faculty with strong engagement from surgical specialties. Its case- and scenario-based approach helps translate scientific knowledge into practical decision-making.

It is also encouraging to note that the annual experience-sharing session on antimicrobial stewardship by healthcare institutes at the SASPI Conference continues to grow year on year.

4. Connecting science, policy, and systems

Our research-to-policy efforts include contributing to the strengthening of State Action Plans for AMR (SAP-AMR) in two North Indian states. The Principal Investigator and team serve as core members of State Committees, providing technical and scientific support to contextualise the NAP-AMR into implementable, state-specific frameworks.

5. Capacity strengthening across the CAMO-Net alliance

We continue to work closely with national and international partners to co-develop projects and expand capacity. Two of our researchers recently attended a one-week intensive AMS implementation course with the University of Cape Town team. Meanwhile, our Knowledge Manager is on a short-term fellowship at Imperial College London. We also look forward to hosting a training session on precision dosing this December at PGIMER.

Beyond these structured exchanges, everyday learning and collaboration continue informally across the network – a hallmark of CAMO-Net’s ethos.

As WAAW 2025 reminds us, acting now is essential to protect the effectiveness of antimicrobials for future generations. PGIMER and CAMO-Net India remain committed to advancing stewardship, strengthening evidence, and working collaboratively to support meaningful, sustainable change.

This World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), we’re celebrating the CAMO-Net Fellows – a talented group of early-career researchers funded by CAMO-Net to complete a fellowship and contribute towards the global efforts to make antimicrobial use smarter, safer and more effective.

The Fellows are contributing to an extraordinary range of projects, including rapid diagnostics, genomics, pharmacokinetics, behaviour change, stewardship systems and laboratory capacity strengthening. While their areas of expertise differ, they share a commitment to improving how antimicrobials are used and to preventing resistance through locally grounded, globally relevant research.

To mark WAAW, we invited each Fellow to record a short self-shot video sharing a snapshot of their current work. The result is a vibrant collection of perspectives that reflects the energy and diversity of the CAMO-Net community. From Brazil to Bangladesh, Malawi to the UK, the Fellows are driving innovation and strengthening the evidence needed to support better antimicrobial decision-making.

Their contributions are central to CAMO-Net’s mission: bringing together expertise, strengthening capacity and building a more connected global community working towards optimised antimicrobial use.

You can watch the full Fellows video below.

As part of our WAAW 2025 events, CAMO-Net brought together participants from across its global network for a community dialogue event. The session was designed to create space for open discussion on antimicrobial use and resistance, and to highlight the shared responsibility involved in addressing these issues. With colleagues joining from South Africa, Brazil, Uganda, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and the UK, the event reflected the network’s focus on collaboration across different contexts and health systems.

The event sat within a busy week of activity across CAMO-Net’s sites, including hospital-based events in India and South Africa, a photography competition in Brazil, community outreach in Uganda, student engagement in Liverpool, and a billboard campaign in London.

Speakers and participants at the community dialogue discussed how antimicrobial use is shaped within communities, health facilities, and public systems, drawing on experiences from their own countries. The conversation covered pressures around prescribing, the challenges of managing drug availability, the work of community health agents, and the importance of communicating clearly with patients and the wider public. There was also reflection on how national policies influence local practice, and the critical role of frontline teams in navigating rising levels of resistance.

A consistent theme ran throughout the session: antimicrobial resistance requires coordinated, collective action. Bringing together different perspectives in an open forum remains central to CAMO-Net’s approach, and this event helped strengthen that shared understanding.

The session closed with reflections on practical next steps and the importance of maintaining momentum beyond World Antimicrobial Awareness Week.