One Health approach to combating antimicrobial resistance

Our solution seeks to tackle the root causes of AMR by leveraging WGS to understand the interconnectedness of AMR across human, animal, and environmental sectors. By analyzing the genomic epidemiology of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, we aim to identify transmission routes and key drivers of AMR within communities.

Emmanuel Armah

Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) technology. In LMICs, AMR
disproportionately affects communities due to factors such as limited
access to healthcare, inadequate sanitation, and inappropriate
antimicrobial use. Globally, AMR leads to increased morbidity,
mortality, and healthcare costs, impacting millions of people annually.

Our solution seeks to tackle the root causes of AMR by leveraging WGS to understand the interconnectedness of AMR across human, animal, and environmental sectors.

 By analyzing the genomic epidemiology of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, we aim to identify transmission routes and key drivers of AMR within communities. This approach will enable the development of targeted interventions tailored to the specific challenges faced by LMICs, including antimicrobial stewardship programs, infection prevention and control measures, and environmental management strategies.

By addressing the multifaceted nature of AMR through a One Health approach, our solution aims to mitigate the spread of resistant bacteria and improve health outcomes for communities in LMICs.

Our target audience includes communities, healthcare providers, veterinarians, and environmental scientists in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) grappling with the challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and bacterial infections. We seek to support them by providing tailored solutions that address the specific needs and challenges they face.

To understand their needs, we engage in extensive community consultations, stakeholder meetings, and collaborative partnerships. We listen to their concerns, gather insights into local practices, and assess the existing infrastructure and resources available. This helps us co-design solutions that are contextually appropriate and responsive to their unique circumstances.

Throughout the development process, we maintain ongoing dialogue and engagement with our target audience. We involve them in decision-making, seek their feedback on proposed interventions, and ensure that our solutions align with their priorities and realities. By actively involving communities and stakeholders, we empower them to take ownership of the solution and drive sustainable change in the fight against AMR.

Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) offers several innovative and unique features that make it a transformative tool in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and bacterial infections, particularly within a One Health framework in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Firstly, WGS provides a comprehensive view of the entire genetic makeup of bacteria, allowing for the precise identification of genetic variants associated with antimicrobial resistance. This high-resolution data enables researchers and public health professionals to understand the underlying mechanisms driving AMR and tailor interventions accordingly.

Secondly, WGS facilitates the comparison of bacterial isolates at the genetic level, enabling the tracking of transmission routes and the identification of reservoirs of resistant bacteria across human, animal, and environmental populations. This holistic approach, known as One Health, recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health and emphasizes collaborative efforts to address health challenges.

Overall, WGS represents a paradigm shift in our ability to study and combat AMR and bacterial infections. Its ability to generate vast amounts of genomic data and provide insights into the complex dynamics of bacterial populations makes it an indispensable tool for promoting public health and advancing antimicrobial stewardship efforts globally.

Our solution, utilizing Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in a One Health approach, is poised to create tangible impact in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and bacterial infections, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Firstly, by harnessing the power of WGS, we can provide precise and actionable insights into the genetic basis of AMR, enabling targeted interventions to curb its spread. This will benefit healthcare providers, veterinarians, policymakers, and communities by guiding antimicrobial stewardship efforts and improving treatment outcomes.

Secondly, our One Health approach ensures that interventions are implemented across human, animal, and environmental sectors, addressing the interconnected nature of AMR. This collaborative effort will not only protect human health but also safeguard animal welfare and preserve environmental ecosystems, benefiting the entire community.

Additionally, our solution fosters capacity-building initiatives and knowledge transfer, empowering local stakeholders to take ownership of AMR surveillance and response efforts. This strengthens healthcare systems and promotes sustainable practices that mitigate the impact of AMR in the long term.

Overall, our solution creates tangible impact by delivering tailored interventions, fostering collaboration across sectors, and building capacity within communities, ultimately advancing global efforts to combat AMR and improve public health outcomes in LMICs.

Over the next year, our focus will be on establishing robust partnerships with key stakeholders in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to lay the groundwork for implementing Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) technology in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and bacterial infections. We will conduct needs assessments and capacity-building workshops to ensure that local healthcare providers, veterinarians, and researchers are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to leverage WGS effectively. Additionally, we will initiate pilot projects to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of WGS-based surveillance and intervention strategies in selected LMIC settings.

Over the next three years, our impact will be significantly scaled up as we expand the implementation of WGS technology across multiple LMICs. We will work closely with national governments, non-governmental organizations, and international partners to integrate WGS into existing public health systems and establish sustainable surveillance networks for monitoring AMR trends. Through collaborative research projects and knowledge-sharing initiatives, we will continue to advance our understanding of AMR dynamics and inform evidence-based interventions. Ultimately, our efforts will contribute to reducing the burden of AMR and improving health outcomes for communities in LMICs on a larger scale.

To measure success against our impact goals of combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and bacterial infections through Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in Ghana, we would employ a comprehensive evaluation framework encompassing several key indicators.

Firstly, we would track the adoption and utilization of WGS technology within the Ghanaian healthcare system and research institutions. This includes the number of laboratories equipped with WGS capabilities, the volume of bacterial isolates sequenced, and the extent to which WGS data informs clinical decision-making and public health interventions.

Secondly, we would monitor changes in AMR prevalence and bacterial infection rates over time. This involves analyzing trends in antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, genetic determinants of resistance, and outbreak occurrences. A decrease in AMR prevalence and incidence of bacterial infections would indicate the efficacy of WGS-based interventions in mitigating these health threats.

Additionally, we would assess the capacity-building efforts and knowledge transfer initiatives implemented as part of our intervention. This includes measuring the proficiency of local healthcare providers and researchers in WGS technology, as well as their engagement in collaborative research projects and data sharing activities.

Overall, success would be determined by the tangible improvements in AMR control and bacterial infection management observed within the Ghanaian healthcare system.

In the next year, several barriers hinder the utilization of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and bacterial infections in Ghana. These include limited infrastructure and resources, insufficient technical expertise, and regulatory constraints. To overcome these barriers, we plan to collaborate with local and international partners to secure funding for WGS implementation, invest in training programs to build local capacity in WGS techniques, and engage with regulatory authorities to streamline approval processes.

Over the next three years, sustainability and scalability pose significant challenges. To address these barriers, we will focus on institutional capacity-building, advocacy for policy reforms to integrate WGS into national AMR surveillance programs, and the development of sustainable funding mechanisms. Additionally, we will leverage advances in technology to improve the efficiency and affordability of WGS workflows. By addressing these barriers through strategic partnerships, capacity-building initiatives, and policy advocacy, we aim to overcome challenges and achieve our goals in combatting AMR and bacterial infections in Ghana using a One Health approach.

We are applying for this challenge because we recognize the urgent need to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and bacterial infections in Ghana through innovative approaches such as Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). Our team has identified several barriers that hinder effective AMR surveillance and intervention efforts in Ghana, including limited access to advanced molecular diagnostic technologies, inadequate capacity for genomic data analysis, and fragmented coordination among stakeholders in the healthcare and veterinary sectors.

Participating in this challenge presents an opportunity to overcome these barriers by providing funding, resources, and mentorship to support the implementation of WGS technology within a One Health framework. Specifically, the challenge can help us secure the necessary funding to establish WGS laboratories, train local personnel, and conduct pilot studies to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of WGS-based surveillance and intervention strategies. Moreover, the challenge can facilitate networking and collaboration with other participants and experts, enabling us to leverage collective expertise and resources to address complex AMR challenges collaboratively. Overall, participating in this challenge aligns with our mission to combat AMR and bacterial infections in Ghana and contributes to global efforts to safeguard public health.

Animal Research Institute- CSIR