Ghana launches ICARS project to tackle antimicrobial resistance in surgical settings

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS), has launched an initiative aimed at combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Ghana’s health sector.

This project, titled "Identifying and Resolving Challenges with Antibiotic Use in Surgery," is set to address rising concerns about drug-resistant infections, particularly in surgical settings where infection rates remain alarmingly high.

The launch of the event on September 4, 2024, was attended by senior officials from various health stakeholders in the country and international partners.

Alhaji Hafiz Adam, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health highlighted that AMR is a pressing global health concern that has not spared Ghana.

"AMR threatens to undermine the effectiveness of essential medical treatments, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs," he said.

"Our goal is to significantly enhance the quality of surgical care and reduce the burden of AMR in Ghana," he added.

Ghana faces a particularly high rate of surgical site infections (SSIs), with research showing infection rates averaging 12.6%, compared to the global average of 2.5%. Many of these infections are caused by bacteria resistant to common antibiotics, making treatment more difficult and costly.

The project focuses on three key areas: ensuring adherence to established guidelines for antibiotic use, improving antibiotic prescribing patterns in pre-and post-operative care, and reducing SSIs through effective infection prevention and control measures.

The launch also saw the formal inauguration of the Steering Committee, which will oversee the project and provide essential guidance.

ICARS plays a pivotal role in this initiative by providing financial and technical support, along with research and advocacy aimed at tackling AMR in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).

ICARS partners with local institutions to co-develop cost-effective, context-specific solutions that align with each country’s National Action Plan (NAP) on AMR.

The global scale of antimicrobial resistance is alarming, with an estimated 1.27 million deaths directly attributed to drug-resistant infections in 2019.

Low-income countries, including Ghana, bear the brunt of the burden, making collaborative efforts essential to mitigate AMR’s impact.

AM/KA

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