Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health threat, especially in resource-limited countries with inadequate infection control. In warm, tropical climates, bacteria can survive longer and multiply faster on surfaces and in water, increasing risks in hospitals and livestock farms.

Dr Seniyat Afegbua of the Nigerian Defence Academy is exploring the effects of farming practices on AMR and public health, with support from Dr Kirsty Sands of the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research (IOI) at the University of Oxford.

The team have already collected preliminary findings for their research, to investigate environmental contamination with drug-resistant E.coli and Salmonella by poultry farms in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

With this funding, Dr Afegbua will be able to develop epidemiological skills, strengthen collaboration, and undertake training in quantitative epidemiology and AMR surveillance. She plans to apply these skills to the next phase of their research project. Other activities that will be undertaken during her visit include manuscript drafting to disseminate preliminary findings from the project, and seeking other funding opportunities.