The One Health Bacteriology Group (KCCR-OHB) at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR) successfully concluded a three-day training on Fundamentals of Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) at the Presbyterian Hospital, Agogo under the Surveillance of Clinical Outcomes and Patient Centered Effects of Antimicrobial Resistance (SCOPE-AMR) Project.

The training, facilitated by Dr. Ricardo Strauss, an Internist, Tropical Medicine and Public Health specialist focused on antimicrobial stewardship implementation and research in resource constrained settings, aimed to strengthen the capacity of healthcare professionals to address the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and Dr. Charity Wiafe Akenten, Principal Investigator of the One Health Bacteriology Group at KCCR.

Over the first two days, participants explored the principles of antimicrobial stewardship, antimicrobial use patterns, stewardship program development, and practical approaches for improving prescribing practices. Interactive discussions and clinical case reviews highlighted how surveillance data and microbiology results can support evidence-based patient care.

The final day focused on translating knowledge into practice. Participants were taken on a laboratory tour at the KCCR’s out station lab at Presbyterian hospital, Agogo where they followed the journey of clinical samples from collection and processing to the generation of actionable microbiology results. The session emphasized the critical role of laboratory diagnostics in guiding appropriate antimicrobial therapy and strengthening stewardship interventions.

This was followed by Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) Ward Rounds, during which participants engaged in practical bedside discussions on antimicrobial decision making. The ward rounds provided an opportunity to assess real clinical cases, review antimicrobial prescriptions, and discuss strategies for optimizing treatment while minimizing the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

The training forms part of the SCOPE-AMR project’s broader objective of ensuring that antimicrobial resistance surveillance data are translated into meaningful clinical action, leading to safer prescribing practices, improved patient outcomes, and stronger health systems.

KCCR remains committed to supporting healthcare institutions through research, surveillance, training, and partnerships that promote responsible antimicrobial use and address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in Ghana and beyond.