February 2025: The Ugandan and Zambian Fleming Fund fellows working in animal health exchanged AMR challenges and solutions during an extremely productive week in Lusaka. Fleming Fund animal health fellows in Lusaka L to R: Stephen Candia, Laura Aleyo, Mulumbi Nkamba, Pamella Abwoyo and Wilfred Opira. Antimicrobial consumption fellows, Wilfred Opira and Pamella Abwoyo from the Nation Drug Authority in Kampala, AMR laboratory fellow Laura Adong from the Veterinary Diagnostic Office in Mbale, and AMR surveillance fellow Stephen Candia, from Arua District local government, participated in a packed programme of visits and discussions.The Ugandans were hosted by Zambian policy fellow Dr Ricky Chazya, from the Directorate of Veterinary Services and AMR laboratory fellow Mulumbi Nkamba from the Central Veterinary Research Institute.Over course of the visit the fellows met with officials at key organisations tackling AMR in Zambia, and observed lab practices and participated in the Farmer Field Schools programme. The challenge of antimicrobial resistance can only be handled when everyone is brought on board. Every institution has a specific role to play and therefore it is important for capacity in these institutions to be built so that everyone diligently carries out their tasks. The gap between Science and the layman needs to be bridged. Pamella Abwoyo Antimicrobial Consumption Fellow in Animal Health, Uganda Departmental and institutional visits Over the course of their tour they paid a courtesy visit to Directorate of Veterinary Services, and met with the Deputy Director of Veterinary Services Dr Fusya Goma, the National AMR Focal point for Animal Health, and Dr Cornelius Mundia, AMRCC Co-Chair and Assistant Director for Research and Epidemiology. Dr. Goma generously shared about the journey of the Directorate in the fight against AMR, and discussed the range of implementation activities they are now undertaking. They also held meetings with Dr Joseph Chizimu, Fleming Fund policy fellow for human health, and the AMRCC National Coordinator, at the Zambia National Public Health Institute. Here, the Fellows were able to share their perspectives on AMR with each other, learning and comparing the AMR structures, systems, challenges and opportunities in their countries. Sharing broad perspectives The fellows visited the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority, where they met with Fleming Fund fellowhsip alumnus, Dr. Ndambasia Daniel who is the Assistant Director, Marketing Authorisation.They also heard perspectives from development partners in a meeting with Dr. Geoffrey Mainda, Deputy Team Lead and AMR Coordinator for the FAO Emergency Committee for Transboundary Animal Diseases. Geoffrey carried out his PhD in Edinburgh (2011-14), and was shared his wide regional insights with the fellows. Visiting the Central Veterinary Research Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Zambia and the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority gave us valuable insights into laboratory systems and regulatory frameworks. These learnings will help us strengthen our own surveillance and stewardship programs back home. Wilfred Opira Antimicrobial Consumption Fellow, Uganda Laboratory and local solutions The Ugandan team were able to tour the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Zambia, and to meet with Prof. John Muma who shared his insights into the work support by the Fleming Fund during Phase 1 and 2.The team were also welcomed at the Central Veterinary Research Institute to tour the facilities and learn from staff in the Virology, Bacteriology, Parasitology, and Biochemistry sections, including Zambian fellowship alumna, Taona Sinyawa. Visiting the Central Veterinary Research Institute was very enlightening in-terms of the work being done to address and provide solutions to livestock-health related challenges in the country. This ranged from diagnostic, research, surveillance in Antimicrobial Resistance and stock-movement and vaccine production. Comparing Antimicrobial Resistance active surveillance work in Zambia highlighted similarities in-terms of the priority pathogens and resistance patterns with the AMR work done in Uganda, and gave a platform to share lessons. Laura Adong AMR Laboratory Fellow, Animal Health, Uganda Farmer Field Schools The visit culminated by joining one of the Farmer Field Schools, facilitated by Mulumbi Nkamba in Chongwe District Lusaka Province. These schools bring together local farmers with veterinary officers to raise awareness of the threat posed antimicrobial resistance and to promote more responsible community use and storage of antibiotics. In every system, learning is two way. In these farmer field schools, the veterinary professional learns from the farmers and vice versa. I have learned to stay humble in order to learn from everybody, at work and in my Fellowship. Pamella Abwoyo Seeing the impact of the Farmer Field Schools in engaging local communities on responsible antibiotic use was truly inspiring. It highlighted the crucial role of grassroots education in combating AMR. Wilfred Opira Antimcrobial Cosumpution Fellow, Uganda Regional partnerships The visit highlighted the enormous power of these Fleming Fund fellowships in supporting regional connections across southern and eastern Africa: building effective partnerships that allow sharing of experiences and challenges in tackling AMR, and promote the implementation of innovative and practical solutions. This exchange has been one of the most enriching experiences of my fellowship. The knowledge-sharing and practical exposure will greatly inform my work in Uganda, and the connections built here will continue to strengthen our regional fight against AMR. Wilfred Opira Antimicrobial Consumption Fellow, Uganda Publication date 03 Mar, 2025
