AMS in Uganda

In this video, Winnie Nambatya (a lecturer in clinical pharmacy) and her colleague Peter Babigumira Ahabwe (a senior program pharmacist), both from Makerere University, Kampala, discuss antimicrobial stewardship in Uganda.

The One Health Common Platform is currently the national program in place to implement AMS, or rational use of medicines (as it is more commonly known in Uganda). Please see the document in the downloads section and read page 10 and 11 for information about the problem of antimicrobial resistance in Uganda and how they plan to reduce the impact.

Some hospitals have managed to set up AMS teams, but their functionality is not yet complete. Pharmacists are being encouraged to go on ward rounds and actively monitor antibiotic use in collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

The current challenges of AMS in Uganda were described in the video:

• No proper accountability

• Some hospitals lack expertise

• Not always enough reports taken

• General lack of understanding of AMR

• Lack of data

Winnie Nambatya is positive for the future, however, as ‘everyone is willing’.

The video was recorded during a visit as part of the Commonwealth Partnerships for Antimicrobial Stewardship (CwPAMS) led by Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA) and Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET).

CwPAMS programme is supporting implementation of AMS principles including evidenced based tools and training in Commonwealth African countries. Find out more via the Commonwealth Pharmacy website.

The CPA advances health, promotes well-being and improves education for the benefit of the people of the Commonwealth.

In the comments below please let us know:

• Are there factors which are similar to AMS in your area?
• Are there factors which differ to AMS in your area?