VacAMR

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a mounting threat to global health, with bacterial AMR directly responsible for an estimated 1.27 million deaths in 2019 and contributing to nearly 5 million more worldwide. In sub-Saharan Africa, lower respiratory infections account for a significant share of AMR-related childhood mortality, driven by inappropriate antibiotic use and limited health system capacity. The VacAMR (“Vaccines to Control Respiratory Pathogens & AMR Across Africa”) project is an Africa-led, multi-country initiative that integrates vaccine development, diagnostic innovation, and policy engagement to reduce AMR burden. 

Objectives 

The overall objective of this work is to facilitate the effective translation and uptake of VacAMR research findings into policy and practice to strengthen antimicrobial resistance (AMR) response in Ghana and Nigeria Malawi. 

Specific Objectives:  

1. To establish the policy gap within SSA’s AMR interventional policy environment  

1. To ensure a clear and in-depth understanding of the VacAMR co-created research findings by policymakers at different governance levels and programmes in Ghana and Nigeria. 

1. To support researchers on the work packages of the VacAMR project to translate their findings into policy-relevant and actionable messages. 

1. To collaborate with in-country policy stakeholders to identify and map feasible pathways for the uptake of VacAMR findings & other relevant AMR research evidence into policy and practice, and to design policy-level interventions addressing community and provider-level barriers to uptake of these and similar findings, in Ghana and Nigeria.  

Methodology  

This will be a mixed-methods participatory action research study. The study population comprises AMR research and policy stakeholders in Ghana and Nigeria, including policymakers at various governance levels – local, national and regional. It also involves AMR researchers, academic institutions, and representatives from international health organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO). 

Key Activities 

• Document reviews 

• Key informant interviews 

• Gap mapping 

• Capacity strengthening  

• Policy dialogues 

• Co-development workshops 

• Advocacy 

 

Expected Outcomes / Deliverables 

• Policy Gap Report: Detailed assessment of policy deficits and misalignments. 

• Interactive Gap Map: A Visual tool highlighting critical areas needing reform. 

• A minimum of 6 tailored policy briefs; 2–4 evidence jury reports; and a minimum of 4 policy dialogues over the life of the project.  

• A minimum of 2 barrier mapping reports; validated pathways of impact and sustainability. 

 

The role of Policy 

The primary objective is to translate VacAMR’s scientific findings into actionable policy and practice. A cross-cutting Policy Analysis and Engagement portfolio will map stakeholder landscapes, analyze existing AMR and immunisation frameworks, co-produce policy briefs, and facilitate multi-sectoral dialogues to identify regulatory opportunities and implementation pathways. 

Partners & Stakeholders 

• Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research Programme 

•  KEMRI-Wellcome  

• Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (CDC),  

• Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR)  

• Navrongo Health Research Centre (NHRC),  

• UCL  

• LSTMH  

 

Timeline: 5 years – 2024 –  2028 

Contact Information and Details of Project  

Lead: Dr Rhona Mijumbi – Rhona.Mijumbi@lstmed.ac.uk / rmijumbi@mlw.mw  

Project contact person (s) Rodrick Sambakunsi – rsambakunsi@mlw.mw and Talitha Mpando (tmpando@mlw.mw)