Ghana has been selected as one of the 25 nations to be granted £210 million in funding by the United Kingdom (UK) government. This funding is aimed at tackling the pressing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the next three years.
This substantial funding will be utilized through collaborative efforts between the UK Government and countries in Asia and Africa, aiming to combat AMR and mitigate the threat it poses both globally and to the UK.
This landmark investment stands as the largest ever contribution to global AMR surveillance by any nation.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office of the UK High Commission in Ghana released a statement confirming this initiative.
The announcement coincides with the visit of the UK’s Health Secretary of State, Steve Barclay, to India for his inaugural G20 Health Ministers’ meeting.
Allocated from the British Government’s aid budget, this funding will aid the activities of the Fleming Fund to address AMR in Asian and African countries, ultimately reducing the menace it presents to societies.
This effort will fortify surveillance capabilities in around 25 nations that confront the highest levels of AMR risk and burden. These countries include Indonesia, Ghana, Kenya, and Papua New Guinea. Over 250 laboratories will be upgraded and equipped with cutting-edge technology.
The funding will also incorporate new genome sequencing technology, facilitating the tracking of bacterial transmission across humans, animals, and the environment.
The statement highlights, “It will also strengthen the international health workforce by supporting 20,000 training sessions for laboratory staff, pharmacists, and hospital personnel, and over 200 Fleming Fund scholarships to enhance expertise in microbiology, AMR policy, and One Health – which acknowledges the interrelation between humans, animals, and the environment.”
Steve Barclay, the UK’s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, emphasized the significance of addressing AMR, noting that the substantial funding would enable countries at highest risk to combat this issue, enhancing global safety.
Antimicrobial resistance leads to the deaths of approximately 1.27 million people worldwide each year, as antibiotics and current treatments become ineffective against infections. The alarming statistic includes one in five deaths among children under five.
The investment is also designed to support the UK-India Fleming Fund partnership, valued at up to £3 million. This partnership aims to accelerate collaboration on AMR surveillance within the health sectors of both nations and facilitate the realization of their shared roadmap for 2030.
As part of his India visit, Steve Barclay will visit India’s National Centre for Disease Control, where joint efforts between the Indian Government and the Fleming Fund are targeting antimicrobial resistance.
The visit will also involve a showcase of innovative health technology, promoting collaboration between UK and Indian artificial intelligence and digital health firms to further transform healthcare in both nations.