CHAK is implementing the Anti Microbial Resistance (AMR) project with funding from the Ecumenical Pharmaceutical Network (EPN). The project aims at combating antimicrobial resistance in church health facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Project goal

To ensure optimized use of antimicrobials and improved antibiotic prescribing, dispensing and disposal practices in faith-based health facilities in three targeted countries in Africa.

Implementing counties

• Kenya - Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK)
• Nigeria - Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN)
• Malawi - Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM)

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

AMR is a growing global threat. Currently AMR national action plans are available in majority of African countries. National Action Plans provide a policy framework and priority actions to contain the emergence and spread of AMR. However, progress of implementation of these action plans is not fully achieved.

This is attributed to lack of awareness, knowledge and appreciation of the threat of AMR and its effect on national progress, lack of technical and financial resources for implementation as well as lack of technical expertise.

Lack of Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) at health facility level and missing collaboration between faith-based health sector and government is also among the challenges faced in the process of combating AMR.

Antimicrobial Stewardship ensures the quality of antimicrobials supplied to the health facilities. One of the key interventions of this project is to implement AMS by raising awareness and training staff at the facility level to incorporate AMS in the daily operations.

The AMR project focusses on these interventions including aspects of good waste management in order to improve disposal practices within health facilities.

Key outcomes

1. Strengthened antibiotic stewardship and infection management in health facilities
2. Increased accountability, monitoring and surveillance of antibiotic prescription and supply
3. Advocate for AMS and implement improved waste management of antibiotics in at least one of the three countries.

Project activities

• Training and capacity development
• Surveillance and quality assurance
• Information sharing and awareness