AMR Sentry

AMR Sentry is an AI-powered chatbot that detects zoonotic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) early by engaging with farmers and communities near wildlife. It collects animal health data, identifies AMR warning signs, and connects users with veterinary services. Partnering with conservation and wildlife authorities enhances disease surveillance and intervention.

Winnie Mathew, Executive Director, leads our team. She has extensive experience in AI and public health, driving innovative solutions for zoonotic AMR detection.

The specific problem AMR Sentry addresses is the lack of early detection and surveillance of zoonotic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in communities near wildlife. Currently, there is limited data on AMR in these areas, leading to delays in intervention and increased risk of zoonotic infections spreading to humans. This problem is particularly acute in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where the majority of antibiotics are used outside of hospitals and large-scale food production facilities, yet data collection is minimal.

Globally, AMR threatens health, food security, and the environment, with estimates indicating that by 2050, AMR could lead to 10 million deaths per year. In LMICs, AMR is exacerbated by factors such as poor sanitation, lack of access to quality healthcare, and the widespread use of antibiotics in agriculture.

AMR Sentry will address this problem by leveraging AI to detect early warning signs of AMR in animals, enabling timely intervention and prevention. By partnering with conservation organizations and wildlife authorities, we will enhance disease surveillance in these communities, contributing to global efforts to combat AMR.

AMR Sentry serves farmers and communities near wildlife, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the majority of antibiotics are used outside of formal healthcare settings. The solution addresses their need for early detection and surveillance of zoonotic antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is crucial for preventing the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and protecting human and animal health.

To understand their needs, we engage directly with farmers and community members through surveys, interviews, and focus groups. We also collaborate with local healthcare providers, veterinarians, and community leaders to gain insights into the challenges they face regarding AMR and zoonotic infections. This engagement helps us tailor our solution to meet their specific needs and ensure it is accessible and effective in their context.

AMR Sentry provides several public goods:

1. Knowledge Sharing: By collecting and analyzing community-level data on zoonotic AMR, AMR Sentry contributes to the global understanding of AMR dynamics in communities near wildlife. This knowledge can inform policy-making and public health interventions to mitigate the spread of AMR.

2. Data Access: AMR Sentry provides access to its data sets to researchers, policymakers, and public health officials, enabling them to conduct further research and analysis on AMR.

3. Technology Transfer: AMR Sentry's AI and chatbot technology can be transferred to other regions and contexts facing similar challenges with zoonotic AMR, providing a scalable solution for early detection and surveillance.

4. Capacity Building: By engaging with local communities and healthcare providers, AMR Sentry helps build capacity for AMR surveillance and intervention at the community level, contributing to long-term public health outcomes.

AMR Sentry's work contributes to the public good by improving knowledge, access to data, and capacity for addressing zoonotic AMR globally.

AMR Sentry's impact is expected to be achieved over the course of several months to years, depending on the specific outcome:

1. Early Detection and Intervention: We anticipate seeing an increase in early detection of zoonotic AMR cases within the first 6-12 months of implementation. A 30% increase in early detection could be achieved within the first year of operation, leading to a 20% reduction in the spread of AMR over the subsequent 2-3 years.

2. Reducing Antibiotic Misuse: The impact of reducing antibiotic misuse by 15% could be measurable within the first 6-12 months of educational interactions with the chatbot. This reduction could contribute to a 10% decrease in the development of AMR over the following 1-2 years.

3. Capacity Building: Building capacity for AMR surveillance and intervention among local healthcare providers and community members could be achieved over the course of 1-2 years. A 25% increase in the community's ability to respond effectively to AMR threats could be realized within this timeframe.

4. National Impact: Contributing to a 10% improvement in national understanding of AMR dynamics in communities near wildlife could be achieved through ongoing sharing of data and technology. This impact could be realized over the course of 2-3 years.

Over the next year, we plan to scale our impact by:

Next Year (Year 1):

1. Expanding Reach: Increase the number of communities using AMR Sentry from 1 to 5, reaching an estimated 2,500 individuals living near wildlife habitats.
2. Enhancing Technology: Achieve a 20% improvement in chatbot effectiveness based on user feedback and technological advancements.
3. Building Partnerships: Establish partnerships with 3 new conservation organizations and 2 additional wildlife authorities to expand our network and reach.

Next 3 Years (Years 2-4):

1. Scaling Regionally: Expand the reach of AMR Sentry to 20 communities in Tanzania and 5 communities in neighboring countries, reaching a total of 15,000 individuals.
2. Capacity Building: Train 50 local healthcare providers and 100 community health workers on AMR surveillance and intervention, building sustainable capacity.
3. Advocacy and Policy Influence: Engage with regional and national policymakers to advocate for policies supporting AMR surveillance and intervention, leading to the adoption of at least 2 policy recommendations.

These quantified goals demonstrate our commitment to scaling our impact in a measurable and professional manner.

To measure success against our impact goals, we will use the following key performance indicators (KPIs) and evaluation methods:

1. Early Detection and Intervention:

   • KPI: Percentage increase in early detection of zoonotic AMR cases compared to baseline.
   • Evaluation: Regular reports from the chatbot system on the number of cases detected and actions taken.

2. Reducing Antibiotic Misuse:

   • KPI: Percentage reduction in antibiotic misuse among community members.
   • Evaluation: Surveys and interviews with community members to assess their knowledge and behavior regarding antibiotic use.

3. Capacity Building:

   • KPI: Percentage of healthcare providers and community health workers trained on AMR surveillance and intervention.
   • Evaluation: Pre- and post-training assessments to measure knowledge gain and skill development.

4. Global Impact:

   • KPI: Number of organizations and countries adopting similar approaches to combat zoonotic AMR.
   • Evaluation: Tracking adoption and implementation of similar solutions based on our model.

We will regularly review these indicators and adjust our strategies as needed to ensure we are on track to achieve our impact goals.

In the next three years, we plan to deploy our solution in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. These countries have similar contexts in terms of wildlife-human interface, agriculture practices, and healthcare infrastructure, making them ideal for rapid scaling.

Barriers to our goals include:

1. Financial Constraints: Limited funding for scaling operations and technology enhancements.
2. Technical Challenges: Ensuring reliable internet connectivity and access to smartphones in remote areas.
3. Policy and Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating complex regulatory environments and obtaining necessary approvals for data collection and AI deployment.
4. Cultural and Educational Barriers: Addressing cultural beliefs and low health literacy levels that may affect community engagement and adoption.

To overcome these barriers, we will:

1. Seek additional funding through grants, partnerships, and impact investors.
2. Collaborate with local telecom providers to improve connectivity and provide affordable access to smartphones.
3. Engage with government stakeholders to advocate for supportive policies and streamline regulatory processes.
4. Conduct community outreach and education campaigns to raise awareness and promote behavioral change regarding antibiotic use and zoonotic disease prevention.

We are applying to The Trinity Challenge because it provides a unique platform to address a critical global health issue: antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The Challenge aligns closely with our mission to develop innovative solutions that leverage technology to improve health outcomes in underserved communities. 

One of the main barriers we face is the lack of funding to scale our solution. The Trinity Challenge's prize pool and support network can help us secure additional funding to expand our project. Additionally, the Challenge's network of collaborators and mentors can provide valuable expertise and resources to overcome technical and operational challenges. 

Furthermore, The Trinity Challenge's focus on data-driven solutions aligns well with our approach, as we heavily rely on data and analytics to drive our decision-making and measure our impact. By participating in The Trinity Challenge, we hope to not only raise awareness about the importance of combating AMR but also to accelerate the development and implementation of our solution to address this pressing global health issue.

We are seeking collaborations with a range of organizations to initiate, accelerate, and scale our solution. Specifically, we aim to partner with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), local health authorities in Tanzania, and NGOs such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Clinton Health Access Initiative.

These collaborations will provide us with essential expertise in public health, agriculture, policy-making, and access to funding opportunities. Working with these organizations will help us navigate regulatory requirements, ensure scalability, and enhance the sustainability of our solution.

Moreover, partnerships with local NGOs and community-based organizations in Tanzania, such as the Tanzania Red Cross Society and the Foundation for Civil Society, will enable us to engage effectively with communities, ensure cultural sensitivity, and meet the specific needs of the target population. Leveraging their networks and resources will help us reach a broader audience and accelerate the implementation of our solution.