May 2025, Sweden: Fleming fellows attended the JPIAMR in Sweden. For the Fleming Fund Fellows, participation in this event was not only an academic and professional milestone, but also a clear demonstration of how global engagement can empower national progress. Fellows on the stage of the final JPIAMR conference 2025 Four Fleming Fund Fellows from Zambia, Uganda, Malawi, and Kenya attended the final conference of the Joint Programme Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance (JPIAMR) in Stockholm. The event marked a significant step in the fellows' professional journeys and reinforced the global nature of the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The conference, which coincided with the tenth anniversary of the JPIAMR, served as a key moment to reflect on a decade of collaborative AMR research and to explore the future direction through the European Partnership on One Health Antimicrobial Resistance (EUP OHAMR). This transition signals a renewed and strategic emphasis on transdisciplinary, One Health approaches to address AMR more effectively. Professor Till Bachmann, Co-Director of the Fleming Fund Fellowship Scheme, delivered the closing keynote, highlighting the importance of aligning national efforts with global priorities. He noted the fellows’ contributions to the One Health priority research agenda set by the quadripartite alliance (WHO, FAO, WOAH, UNEP). Through engagement with leading researchers, policymakers and stakeholders, the fellows deepened their understanding of AMR’s transnational dimensions. The knowledge and networks they gained are expected to translate into tangible improvements in AMR surveillance, policy and research in their respective countries. Attending the JPIAMR Final Conference has been an eye-opening experience, The exchange of ideas across disciplines and countries reaffirmed that antimicrobial resistance is a truly global challenge requiring unified, evidence-driven solutions. I was particularly inspired by the emphasis on translating research into actionable policies. Gathira Muchira: Fleming Fund Policy Fellow from Kenya Attending the Joint Programming Initiative on AMR Conference made me appreciate the different research approaches in One Health. Specifically, I appreciated the different methods used in Environmental studies, and I want to use this knowledge to improve AMR data generation and strengthen the development of evidence-based One Health AMR policies in Uganda. Harriet Akello: Fleming Fund Policy Fellow from Uganda Fellows and Till Bachmann meet at the JPIAMR - From left to right: Gathira Muchira, Policy Fellow Kenya. Upile Kachepa, Policy Fellow Malawi. Kandandu Chibosha, Policy Fellow Zambia. Till Bachmann, co-director of the Fleming Fund Fellowship Scheme at the University of Edinburgh. Harriet Akello, Policy Fellow Uganda. The conference has strengthened my knowledge and network, enabling me to make a greater impact in Zambia’s fight against AMR. Kandandu Chibosha: Fleming Fund Policy Fellow from Zambia Being surrounded by researchers, policy advocates, funders and innovators reminded me how essential collaboration is in tackling AMR. I left inspired, informed and more committed to driving context-relevant solutions. Upile Kachepa: Fleming Fund Policy Fellow from Malawi Translating theory into practice Beyond the theoretical and policy discussions, the conference also provided practical benefits for the Fellows: Improved access to scientific literature and professional resources.Strengthened research competencies and professional development.Broadened international networks to foster future collaborations. The experience affirmed the importance of investing in local leadership as a means to drive global health progress. The Fellows’ enhanced capabilities and expanded networks will influence public health infrastructure, inform national AMR strategies and strengthen One Health implementation in their home countries. Looking Ahead As the JPIAMR transitions into the EUP OHAMR, the global AMR community stands at a pivotal juncture. For the Fleming Fund Fellows, participation in this event was not only an academic and professional milestone, but also a clear demonstration of how global engagement can empower national progress. I’m looking forward to seeing the EU-OHAMR programme build on this great work. I’m very grateful to the University of Edinburgh and Mott MacDonald for the opportunity to attend. Upile Kachepa: Fleming Fund Policy Fellow from Malawi Conclusion The participation of the fellows in this landmark conference illustrates the power of international partnerships and underscores the critical role of local actors in addressing global health threats. Their involvement exemplifies how knowledge exchange and collaboration can support both national improvements and broader systemic change in the ongoing effort to combat AMR. Read Further JPIAMR conference 2025 Sweden Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on AMR The Fleming Fund About the Fleming Fund The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)'s Fleming Fund is a UK aid programme supporting up to 25 countries across Africa and Asia to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a leading contributor to deaths from infectious diseases worldwide.The Fleming Fund invests in strengthening AMR surveillance systems through a portfolio of country grants, regional grants, and fellowships managed by Mott MacDonald and global projects managed by the DHSC. Publication date 22 May, 2025
