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Antimicrobial Stewardship for Africa

Improve your knowledge of the spread of antimicrobial resistance in Africa and how to reduce it.

7,050 enrolled on this course

A map of Africa with a bottle of pills on top
  • Duration

    3 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours
  • Accreditation

    AvailableMore info

Learn how to tackle antimicrobial resistance in Africa

Communicable diseases continue to be a leading cause of death in African countries (WHO). This course will look at the threat of antimicrobial resistance in Africa and how best to tackle it.

You’ll explore the burden of antimicrobial resistance in Africa and the importance of microbiology investigations in antibiotic therapy.

You’ll learn about antibiotic misuse and overuse as a driver of antimicrobial resistance and how to develop antibiotic guidelines.

Finally, you’ll evaluate the strategies that have been implemented in African hospitals and make more effective use of antimicrobials.

What topics will you cover?

  • The global versus African burden of resistance, importance of microbiology investigations before or during antibiotic therapy
  • Antibiotic misuse and overuse as a driver of antimicrobial resistance
  • Strengthening the ICAN network to support stewardship and infection prevention
  • Basic interventions /tools to support stewardship
  • How to develop antibiotic guidelines and policies
  • Incorporating antimicrobial stewardship into hospital infection control programs
  • Using Education and feedback to change behaviour for antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control

Who is this accredited by?

Royal College of Pathologists
Royal College of Pathologists:

The Royal College of Pathologists is a professional membership organisation with charitable status, concerned with all matters relating to the science and practice of pathology.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Evaluate the effectiveness of using the strategies, tools and interventions in AMS that have been implemented in African hospitals
  • Investigate the use of laboratory support and measurement, where available, to improve antimicrobial prescribing.
  • Explore how to improve prescribing without laboratory diagnostics.
  • Evaluate the influence of cultural issues on prescribing habits and the value of behaviour change science in successful antimicrobial stewardship.
  • Assess the value of networks, such as ICAN, to support stewardship and infection prevention.
  • Develop antibiotic guidelines and policies to suit your practice and location.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for healthcare professionals and policymakers involved in the prevention, treatment and management of infectious diseases.

Who will you learn with?

Professor of Clinical Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Honorary consultant to the Teaching Hospital, Chairman antimicrobial stewardship and infection control programs

Dr Iretiola Fajolu is a Senior Lecturer at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos and Consultant Paediatrician at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. She heads the ASC in her department.

I am a consultant Clinical Microbiologist and a lecturer in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology College of Medicine, University of Lagos/ Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

Clinical Microbiologist, Infection Control Practitioner MBChB, MPH MSc, FMCPath

Who developed the course?

BSAC

Founded in 1971, the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy exists to facilitate the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge in the field of antimicrobial chemotherapy.

Infection Control Africa Network (ICAN)

Our vision is an African continent where safe patient care is ensured for all with the implementation of strong infection control programmes.

College of Medicine University of Lagos (CMUL)

A world-class research intensive medical school, delivering teaching and facilitating learning of the highest quality, and playing a leading role in health and economic development of Nigeria.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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