Located in the heart of Kampala, Katanga is one of the city’s largest informal settlements, stretching approximately 1.5 kilometres. Katanga is bordered by Mulago Hospital, Uganda’s largest referral hospital, and Makerere University, the country’s oldest and most prestigious institution of higher learning. Despite being surrounded by centres of education and healthcare, Katanga faces serious challenges, especially when it comes to health access and education.
Many residents of Katanga rely on buying medicine directly from drug shops or pharmacies without proper guidance, because seeing a doctor is expensive or inconvenient. This has led to widespread misuse of antibiotics, which contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing health threat in Uganda and beyond. A study by J. Leeuwen et al. (2017) revealed that nearly 30% either tried and failed or could not access medical services at all, highlighting a serious gap in healthcare access that fuels self-medication and over-the-counter drug use.
Meet Mama Fahad, a 27-year-old mother of three who has lived in Katanga for the past 15 years. She runs a small local bar, a business that helps her feed and educate her children. Her formal education ended in primary school, and like many in Katanga, she navigates life with resilience but limited access to reliable health information. (Mama Fahad preferred not to be photographed, which is why no image of her appears in this blog.) Mama Fahad’s story is not unique. Katanga is home to thousands like her – hardworking, resourceful, and deeply rooted in their community, yet often excluded from formal health messaging due to low literacy levels and language barriers.
Recognising this gap, CAMO-Net Uganda, in collaboration with Watoto Church, organised a medical camp on Saturday 19 July 2025. This is in alignment with CAMO-net Uganda hub’s Quad-Stakeholder PPIE Strategy (Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement). This model ensures a cohesive AMR response by synchronizing the efforts of policymakers, academic researchers, and various government ministries with the essential ‘first line’ of the community, including community memebers, local leaders and Village Health Teams. The initiative brought together partners including UMC, Diet Aid, Abbott, Pan Dental and others, offering services ranging from dietary guidance to medical consultations. What set this camp apart was its approach to health education.
Through dance, drama and skits, performed in Luganda, the local language spoken by most Katanga residents, the CAMO-Net Uganda team engaged the community in conversations about antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
“We didn’t know that using medicine without a doctor’s advice could make it stop working,” Mama Fahad said after watching one of the skits. “The play showed us how we are harming ourselves without knowing. Now I will tell my neighbours too.”
Her words reflect a profound truth: health education must speak the language of the people. In communities like Katanga, where formal education is limited and scientific jargon feels foreign, culturally relevant storytelling becomes a way to make knowledge accessible, memorable and actionable. Residents did not just watch a performance – they saw themselves in the stories, understood the risks, and left empowered to make healthier choices.
As the sun set over Katanga, the echoes of laughter, learning and healing lingered. The camp was a reminder that health equity begins with empathy, collaboration and communication that truly connects.
CAMO-Net Timor-Leste has launched the first phase of a project to introduce Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) for key antibiotics. The initiative is being delivered by the Menzies School of Health Research in partnership with Universidade da Paz (UNPAZ).
This important milestone marks a step forward in supporting the responsible use of antibiotics and strengthening antimicrobial stewardship across the country. The initiative is being delivered in close collaboration with five referral hospitals – including Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares (HNGV), HOREX Baucau, RAEOA Referral Hospital, and referral hospitals in Maubisse, Maliana and Suai.
The first awareness-raising activity – known locally as a “socialisation session” – was held in Oecusse. Led by Menzies researcher Agata do Espírito Santo Soares, the session featured a presentation on: “Describing glycopeptide and aminoglycoside use, indications, and patient outcomes across Timor-Leste’s national and referral hospitals, and optimising glycopeptide use through the introduction of vancomycin level testing in the National Laboratory.”
Eighteen participants from a range of professional backgrounds joined the discussion, exploring how TDM could help improve the effectiveness of antibiotic treatments and limit the development of resistance.
Next, the team travelled to Baucau, where Menzies researcher Guilherme Ximenes Soares – supported by a research nurse and colleagues – delivered the same presentation. The event drew 33 attendees from across the clinical and health sectors, creating space for insightful dialogue on antibiotic use and resistance.
In Maliana, the session was led by the dedicated Menzies team and attracted 50 participants, including doctors and pharmacists. The interactive format encouraged rich knowledge-sharing and reflections on how TDM could improve patient outcomes.
A high turnout followed at Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares (HNGV), where 77 healthcare professionals took part. As in earlier sessions, the event focused on optimising antibiotic use through improved monitoring, while also building awareness and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Further engagement came from Suai Referral Hospital, where 19 participants joined the discussion. The session continued to highlight the value of TDM in strengthening clinical practice at the referral level.
The final stop in this first phase was Maubisse. Here, 35 healthcare professionals gathered to consider the implications of TDM on antibiotic use and patient care within Timor-Leste’s health system. Like previous sessions, the event promoted active dialogue and shared commitment to better antimicrobial use.
With the successful completion of phase one, the project team is encouraged by the widespread engagement from health professionals across the country. These early steps provide a strong foundation for advancing antimicrobial optimisation in Timor-Leste, with momentum building for the work still to come.
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.“
The CAMO-Net Uganda Hub has trained its first group of 62 community health workers to support antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) efforts at the grassroots level. These Village Health Team (VHT) members are now better equipped to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), educate households, and contribute to data collection on medicine use. This milestone marks the beginning of a phased engagement strategy that places VHTs at the heart of Uganda’s community-led response to AMR.
In 2001, the Ministry of Health, Uganda, introduced the scheme to provide basic healthcare and health information at a local level. VHTs are the first point of contact for many health-related issues, empowering communities to participate in health decisions and strengthening service delivery. They are responsible for delivering basic health services, including health education, disease prevention, basic prescriptions, health data collection, and referrals.
Dr David Musoke presenting to the workshop
As part of its public and patient involvement and engagement strategy, the CAMO-Net Uganda Hub adopted a phased approach to working with VHTs. This initiative aims to:
Jointly identify the challenges VHTs face in enforcing National Action Plan (NAP) guidelines on antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
Evaluate their current knowledge on antimicrobial stewardship (AMS)
Train them on AMS principles
Provide Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to support community awareness and education on AMR
Leverage their capacity to collect data on household-level antimicrobial use.
The community health workers with CAMO-Net Uganda researchers
The CAMO-Net Uganda Hub officially onboarded its first cohort of 62 VHTs in May 2025. During this session, the VHTs shared their experiences and challenges in implementing AMR containment initiatives at the community level. Facilitators led interactive sessions on the risk factors contributing to antimicrobial resistance and practical ways to prevent it.
The training also included a session led by Dr David Musoke, the President Elect of the International Federation of Environmental Health and an Associate Professor at Makerere University School of Public Health. Dr Musoke, shared valuable insights on how VHTs can effectively train their peers and expand awareness of AMS within their communities.
This milestone marks a significant step in strengthening Uganda’s grassroots capacity to combat AMR through informed, empowered, and well-equipped VHTs. The team looks forward to engaging these VHTs more frequently to provide continued education and to evaluate the effectiveness of their community training efforts. Additionally, the hub plans to leverage the VHT network to collect household-level data on antimicrobial use, which will inform future interventions and possible policy recommendations.
Last month, a group of over 70 infectious disease and public health experts signed an open letter urging South Africa’s Department of Health and Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to reintroduce a national action plan (NAP) on antimicrobial resistance, warning that rising antibiotic resistance threatens progress towards universal health coverage under the National Health Insurance.
GroundUp, a South African non-profit news website, published a story about this situation. You can read it here. CAMO-Net South Africa co-lead Professor Marc Mendelson was quoted in the story, providing his perspective on South Africa’s NAP. In this piece, Professor Mendelson elaborates on his position and further contextualises the need take action on AMR in the country.
South Africa’s National Action Plan for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) expired last year and to date, there is no current strategic framework. Furthermore, the scientific advisory body to government (the Ministerial Advisory Committee on AMR) completed its 2nd cycle in November 2023 and has not been reconvened. Therefore, there is currently no scientific advisory forum to government on what is a major public health crisis.
In an open letter to the Minister of Health, infection and public health experts, clinicians, pharmacists, infection control practitioners, AMR researchers and policy experts call on the government to address these deficiencies urgently.
Antimicrobial resistance (bacterial infections that are resistant to antibiotics) is the third leading underlying cause of death worldwide, is associated with almost 5 million deaths annually, and will cause 39 million deaths in the next 25 years.
More even than that, it threatens modern medicine and procedures that you take for granted – prevention and treatment of infections – increasing the risk of surgery, and reducing chances that cancer patients (who get more bacterial infections) will survive.
It threatens food security (you can’t have food production without antibiotics), and socioeconomic security – estimates are that AMR is expected to result in a drop in Gross Domestic Product of at least $3.4 trillion each year by 2030, pushing 24 million more people into extreme poverty.
South Africa has a tremendous amount of work to do to mitigate this worsening pandemic. It cannot do it with its hands tied behind its back.
We need a funded national action plan that will target interventions that actually make an impact on the increasing tide of resistant bacterial infections.
Dr Raheelah Ahmad, Reader in Health Systems at City St George’s, University of London, and Knowledge Mobilisation Lead for CAMO-Net, has been recognised with two prestigious awards celebrating her academic leadership, mentorship, and commitment to global health research.
At City St George’s, she was awarded the university-level Postgraduate Supervisor of the Year – Academic Impact Award. Part of the institution’s annual Academic Impact Awards, this honour is based on student nominations and committee review, and highlights Dr Ahmad’s outstanding support for postgraduate researchers and her ability to foster inclusive, impactful academic environments.
Internationally, during her keynote at the 6th International Medical Research Conference (IMRC) organised by HealthRAB, Dr Ahmad was presented with an award for her sustained contributions to research partnerships in Pakistan. Her keynote address, ‘Technology and Beyond – Achieving UNGA AMR Targets Through Health Systems Research’, emphasised the importance of cross-sector collaboration in tackling antimicrobial resistance.
Postgraduate Supervisor of the Year, Academic Impact Award Award given by Joseph Kenwright, Deputy Student Union President for Education at City St Georges, University of London
“I’m honoured to receive these awards, which reflect the power of collaboration – whether through nurturing early career researchers or building partnerships across borders. Impactful research is never a solo effort; it’s about working together to generate knowledge that improves lives.”
Dr Ahmad has worked closely with CAMO-Net’s shadow site at Dow University of Health Sciences, led by Dr Izhar Huassain, who also attended the events, and research collaborators across Pakistan since 2019. Marium Habib, General Manager of HealthRAB, reflected on the spirit of the award: “Research must go beyond publication – it must drive change and improve lives.”
CAMO-Net has helped to launch a new global collaboration to accelerate access to and effective use of diagnostics in the global effort to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The new initiative will aim to address the urgent need for a collaborative approach to scale up the use of diagnostics to address AMR.
The collaboration, convened at the University of Ghana, brings together global and regional leaders to strengthen diagnostic innovation, implementation, and equity with a focus on low- and middle-income countries where the burden of AMR is highest. Led by The Fleming Initiative, GARDP, and FIND, the two-day launch meeting featured a series of expert-led sessions on diagnostic access, innovation, policy, data use, and market shaping.
Partners contributing to the collaboration include the Wellcome Trust, Africa CDC, CAMO-Net, WACCBIP, Cepheid, and the Ghana Ministry of Health, with further support from CARB-X, ICARS, the Global AMR R&D Hub, and the Fleming Fund. With representatives from a wide range of institutions, from national governments to the World Health Organization (WHO), participants agreed on the need to build on the momentum of the inaugural meeting in Ghana by ensuring strong leadership from low- and middle-income countries in shaping the collaboration’s future.
“This is just the beginning,” said Professor Gordon Awandare, Director of WACCBIP, who hosted the launch. “Being able to host the launch at the University of Ghana affirms the importance of African institutions leading global conversations about AMR. We’re proud to be part of building a roadmap for change.”
Professor Alison Holmes OBE, Director of the Fleming Initiative and co-convener of the launch event, added: “To effectively address AMR, we must embed diagnostics at every level of healthcare. That means listening to, learning from, and working with those closest to the challenge.”
Dr Silvia Bertagnolio presenting WHO’s work on diagnostics
Dr Silvia Bertagnolio, Head of the AMR surveillance, Research and Laboratory Strengthening Unit at WHO, who spoke at the launch, emphasised the critical role this new global diagnostics collaboration could play alongside WHO in addressing AMR: “I see a strong opportunity for this collaboration to be established as an integral part of the broader WHO Global Coalition on Diagnostics, and to play a key role in supporting WHO’s AMR Diagnostic Initiative. Ensuring alignment and coherence with these global efforts is essential to closing healthcare gaps and positioning diagnostics at the forefront of the global response to antimicrobial resistance.”
A public report summarising discussions and next steps will be made available within a month. Further details on the collaboration’s goals and governance structures will be shared later this year.
A group of infectious disease and public health experts are calling on the Department of Health and Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to reintroduce a national action plan addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
An open letter from over 70 doctors, scientists and public health advisors states that antibiotic resistance is becoming a “growing threat” in the country and poses a threat to universal health coverage through the National Health Insurance.
Latest figures show that over one-million deaths a year worldwide are directly caused by AMR. This number is projected to increase. Nearly five-million people die with an antibiotic-resistant infection. Over the next 25 years, nearly 40-million people are projected to die from AMR.
The open letter also called on the department to reinstate a ministerial advisory committee on AMR or to establish a similar scientific body.
“The lack of a robust scientific advisory body limits the government’s capacity to develop evidence-based policies,” the letter reads. The establishment of a scientific body would “empower the government to make strategic, data-driven decisions to combat this pressing health threat effectively”.
The former Ministerial Advisory Committee was disbanded in November 2023.
Marc Mendelson, an infectious disease specialist at Groote Schuur Hospital who has been outspoken about the threat of AMR for many years, said: “AMR is a current pandemic which is wreaking havoc, is not being attended to properly and not being taken seriously enough in South Africa.”
Mendelson said that there are “more and more people having to be treated for highly resistant bacterial infections in our healthcare system”. AMR leads to an increase in morbidity, mortality, hospital costs, and also has socio-economic consequences, he said. Common medical interventions such as surgery “becomes much riskier” with AMR.
Department of Health spokesperson Foster Mohale said that the department would only comment once the letter was formally presented, which is expected to happen at 5pm on Thursday.
Read about the recent CAMO-Net in-person meet up from the perspective of four researchers: Asma Jahan Monika (CAMO-Net Bangladesh), Tlangelani Makamu (CAMO-Net South Africa), Gabrielly Lacerda de Aragão (CAMO-Net Brazil), and Dave Freeman (CAMO-Net UK).
Asma Jahan Monika – CAMO-Net Bangladesh
Attending the workshop was a highly enriching and intellectually stimulating experience that significantly deepened my understanding of effective medicine prescribing practices—especially in the context of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and neonatal infections in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The sessions provided valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by LMICs in managing infectious diseases and emphasised the importance of adopting evidence-based strategies for antimicrobial stewardship. In particular, the lecture on integrating technological solutions to optimise antibiotic use and prescribing practices was both timely and essential for settings like ours, where healthcare resources are often limited and the burden of resistant infections is disproportionately high.
A standout component of the workshop was the session on therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and the application of data science and artificial intelligence for clinical decision-making. These emerging approaches offer powerful tools for enhancing the precision and effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy, and hold great promise for strengthening surveillance systems and improving patient outcomes. The practical examples and real-world applications presented during this session were particularly useful, providing a clear vision of how these innovations could be translated into our local healthcare context.
Equally engaging was the hands-on demonstration of innovative microsampling techniques and point-of-care diagnostic tools. These technologies are not only transformative for clinical practice but also present exciting opportunities for research. Our team was able to collect several lancets for potential use in ongoing studies, which may serve as the foundation for future collaborative projects. The ingenuity behind these diagnostic tools was inspiring and demonstrated how creativity and scientific rigour can come together to solve pressing healthcare challenges.
Another critical aspect of the workshop was the session on science advice for policy, which highlighted the role of researchers in bridging the gap between evidence generation and policy formulation. As scientists, our ultimate goal is not only to generate new knowledge but also to ensure its translation into meaningful policy actions. This session was exceptionally well delivered and equipped participants with practical strategies for communicating scientific findings to policymakers in a clear, effective, and impactful manner.
In addition to the educational sessions, the workshop provided excellent opportunities for professional networking. I had the privilege of engaging in thoughtful discussions with fellow researchers and representatives from other CAMO-Net hubs, which fostered mutual learning and opened avenues for potential collaboration. Sharing experiences and research interests with peers working in similar contexts helped broaden my perspective and enriched the overall experience.
The travel grant played a vital role in facilitating my participation in this important event. It enabled me to attend and fully engage in all sessions, discussions, and interactive activities. The knowledge and insights I gained—particularly on antimicrobial resistance and rational prescribing practices—will directly inform and strengthen my ongoing and future research initiatives. Additionally, I appreciated the opportunity to learn from the diverse expertise of other CAMO-Net members and to explore collaborative possibilities for addressing shared public health challenges.
As a first-time visitor to London, the cultural experiences—especially the visit to the UK Parliament and the guided city tour—were memorable additions that enhanced the overall impact of the trip. These experiences not only added educational value but also provided a broader appreciation of global health diplomacy and governance.
The hospitality extended by the CAMO-Net organising team was exceptional, and I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to be part of this workshop. The knowledge, skills, and connections I gained through this experience will greatly contribute to my efforts in addressing antimicrobial resistance and promoting the health and well-being of vulnerable populations in my country.
Tlangelani Makamu – CAMO-Net South Africa
Attending the CAMO-Net meeting in London was an enriching and inspiring experience. I had the privilege of co-facilitating a workshop focused on aligning technology with context, culture, and behaviour—particularly during the implementation phase. I also co-presented the work of the South African CAMO-Net hub on AMR communication, which sparked valuable conversations.
What stood out most was the diversity of ongoing innovation across CAMO-Net sites. I was particularly impressed by the product innovations shared, as well as the process innovations presented by others. The visit to the Wellcome Collection, exploring the question of what it means to be “human”, was both fun and thought-provoking.
Another highlight was the policy-focused workshop at the Houses of Parliament, especially the session on writing research to influence policy. Touring the historic library and viewing influential research documents added a meaningful layer to the experience.
Perhaps most impactful was the realisation of the depth and breadth of expertise across CAMO-Net. It was a reminder of the global potential we hold if we continue to collaborate intentionally. And of course, the jalopy bus tour (and its delightful guide!) was a perfect way to wrap up an incredible week.
The people of CAMO-Net made the meeting truly memorable—bringing warmth, insight, and a shared sense of purpose throughout.
Gabrielly Lacerda de Aragão – CAMO-Net Brazil
The CAMO-Net travel grant gave me the opportunity to take my first international trip, which in itself was an incredible experience. It was very enriching to explore a new country with a different culture.
During the meeting, I was able to learn more about the projects developed by different CAMO-Net groups around the world, and also share a little about the work I do. The workshops were a great opportunity to collaborate with participants from various countries and learn from their different perspectives.
The environment was very welcoming, with all participants being receptive and eager to share their experiences and projects. This exchange helped me make important connections and opened up possibilities for future international collaborations.
I am very grateful for the opportunity the travel grant provided and for the lessons I’ll carry with me throughout my career.
David Freeman – CAMO-Net UK
It was really good to see so many people at the CAMO-Net meeting last week. Each day was enjoyable and educational. We have a strong partnership that spans an incredible area—thanks to everyone for making the trip.
I hope the workshops in the first two days were thought-provoking. From my side, I got some interesting insights into how we view biosensor technologies, and the different (and sometimes overlapping) priorities people have. It’s rare to have so many experts in antimicrobial resistance in one room, all participating. I’m grateful for your time and hope you got something out of it.
The main aim of these meetings, at least from my point of view, is to promote friendships across and within sites. Not just for fun—it’s substantially easier to write a grant proposal with people you like. Doing the science also becomes easier when you’re working with people it’s easy to communicate with. The power of friendship!
These meetings are obviously a lot of work to put together and manage. It’s a great administrative feat that our team here in London and up in Liverpool pulled off fantastically—well done.
(And yes, I am now three chapters into that tree book everyone seemed to be reading.)
More than 90 members of The Centres for Antimicrobial Optimisation Network (CAMO-Net) came together from around the world to meet in London in June 2025 for a week-long programme of collaboration, innovation and global partnership development. With representatives from almost all partner countries from across the collaboration, the week offered an opportunity to share expertise, build relationships and continue the momentum around CAMO-Net’s mission to optimise antimicrobial use, locally and globally.
CAMO-Net is a global partnership of 13 research sites across 11 countries, funded by the Wellcome Trust. The network addresses antimicrobial resistance by developing context-specific tools, technologies and stewardship practices that support equitable and evidence-informed antimicrobial use. With a strong focus on local leadership, knowledge exchange and capacity strengthening, CAMO-Net operates through national hubs, technical centres and shadow sites to co-create practical solutions informed by local needs.
At Imperial College London, the programme centred on interactive workshops covering topics such as microsampling, economic evaluation, early warning surveillance systems, and human-centred innovation. The group received a hands-on demonstration of point-of-care technologies, led by researchers from the UK, offering participants the chance to explore novel sampling methods and DIY biosensor technologies first-hand.
Wednesday’s showcase at the Wellcome Trust brought the full CAMO-Net collaboration into focus. Introduced by Wellcome’s Director of Infectious Disease, Dr Alexander Pym, the event featured thematic research sessions on therapeutic drug monitoring, medicines management, and context-specific behaviour and culture in antimicrobial use. Speaking at the opening of the showcase, Dr Pym praised the network’s model: “At Wellcome, we believe that bringing together researchers from diverse geographies to identify shared challenges and co-create solutions is one of the great strengths of CAMO-Net. It’s exactly the kind of collaborative model global health needs more of.”
Dr Alexander Pym, Director of Infectious Disease, Wellcome
Professor Alison Holmes, CAMO-Net lead, emphasised the significance of the gathering: “It’s an absolute joy to host so many colleagues in person – some for the first time – and to showcase the breadth and depth of work happening across our network. This is a pivotal moment for CAMO-Net, and we’re thrilled to share it here at the Wellcome Trust in London.”
The showcase event also included Wellcome’s internal ‘Mission in Motion’ session, where members from across the network, from research enabling staff to senior management learn about the work that Wellcome is funding. This was followed by a network fair, where CAMO-Net sites shared their work with Wellcome staff, providing updates and ideas from their respective contexts. Engagement activities, data dashboards, and cross-hub training initiatives featured prominently.
The CAMO-Net team at the Wellcome Showcase
During the week, CAMO-Net researchers also met at the UK Houses of Parliament, where they participated in a series of policy-focused workshops. Hosted by the Managing Director of Research and Information at the House of Commons, the session explored models of science advice, how to write for policymakers, and the evolution of AMR policy in the UK. It concluded with a tour of Parliament and the Commons Library – an insightful and inspiring end to a high-impact week.
Dr Dave Freeman (UK) and Dr Samuel Duodu (Ghana) at the Houses of Parliament workshop
Reflecting on the experience, Dr Samuel Duodu (CAMO-Net Ghana) said: “It’s not often you get such a unique blend of technical workshops, meaningful conversations, and direct engagement with policy. The week gave us the chance to think across disciplines and regions – exactly what CAMO-Net is about.”
The energy and exchange throughout the week have already sparked new ideas and collaborations across sites. These in-person meetings continue to strengthen not only the network’s collective expertise, but also the relationships that drive forward its shared vision for sustainable, locally led antimicrobial optimisation. The next time CAMO-Net members will gather in person will be in December 2025, where they will be hosted by the India national hub.
