World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) week
World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) week, observed from 18 to 24 November, was an opportunity to reflect on one of the most pressing challenges in healthcare today. As part of this global event, NeoNET AFRICA—a network of experts dedicated to addressing the diagnosis, treatment, and management of neonatal sepsis—and SACEMA came together to host their very first World AMR Awareness Webinar. Titled “Innovative Solutions to Combat Antimicrobial Resistant Neonatal Infections in African Hospitals,” the webinar brought together leading voices from across the globe. Topics ranged from antibiotic stewardship and the One Health approach to tackling AMR to new tools for detecting hospital-acquired infections. These discussions highlighted the urgent need for innovation and collaboration in this area. One of the most memorable moments of the webinar was the testimony of Mrs. Rose Chidhakwa, a mother whose son, Henry, spent more than two months in the hospital battling sepsis. Her story brought the human impact of antimicrobial resistance into sharp focus, reminding everyone in attendance why this work matters so deeply. Hearing her speak about the challenges her family faced during Henry’s journey was a poignant reminder of the stakes involved. The webinar, which lasted two hours, was attended by 68 participants, creating a space for open dialogue and shared learning among healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers. Hosting this webinar was a step toward fostering the collaborations and innovative solutions that are so desperately needed to combat AMR in neonatal care. It underscored the importance of not only addressing this crisis with urgency but also tailoring solutions to the unique challenges we face in Africa. Together, we hope to drive forward meaningful changes that will protect our most vulnerable—newborns in hospitals—and improve outcomes for families like Henry’s. This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a sustained and impactful effort to tackle AMR across the continent.
From left: Wilfred Otambo, Olivier Adjagba, Frank Tanser, Larisse Bolton, Beryl Beeka, Reuben Moyo, Margot Otto, Cari van Schalkwyk
