The Antibiotic Stewardship Programme through Innovation, Research, and Education (ASPIRE) is a groundbreaking three-year initiative supported by LifeArc, aimed at optimizing antibiotic use in Zambia and Kenya. By integrating advanced digital technologies with targeted stewardship strategies, ASPIRE is setting a new standard in antibiotic management.
A key innovation of this project is the introduction of AI-powered tools that provide real-time, data-driven, and context-specific recommendations to clinicians. Additionally, the project is piloting a dedicated patient application, the first of its kind in the region, enabling users to report adverse events and access essential treatment information
Since the project’s inception, ReAct has been leading training sessions across four key facilities:
- Zambia: University Teaching Hospital (UTH) & Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital (LMUTH)
- Kenya: Nakuru County Teaching & Referral Hospital & AAR Hospital, Nairobi
To better understand how Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) is being implemented in these facilities, a baseline assessment was conducted using the WHO Stewardship Assessment Tool. This evaluation examined key areas such as leadership, surveillance, and antimicrobial use strategies. The findings were shared with facility teams, helping to shape tailored facility action plans for improved AMS implementation.
Key Activities:
Baseline Studies Across Four Sites
Baseline studies were conducted at Nakuru County Teaching & Referral Hospital, AAR Hospital Nairobi, Kenya as well as Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital, and the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. Using a retrospective study approach, the baseline studies assessed compliance with Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) for antibiotic prescribing across all four sites in 2024. Data was extracted from patient records to evaluate prescribing patterns, while a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) was conducted among healthcare workers to assess awareness and implementation of stewardship practices.
Focus Group Discussions and AMS/IPC Intervention Costing
To strengthen AMS and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) strategies, quantification sessions were held from 23rd to 24th January to refine AMS and IPC intervention activities and inform the cost assessment process. Participants included infectious disease physicians, pharmacists, laboratory personnel, hospital administrators, human resource officials, and accountants, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the financial and operational aspects of AMS and IPC interventions
Economic Evaluation Training and Data Collection
From the 27th to the 31st of January, structured training sessions introduced data collectors including clinicians and medical records clerks at each site, to the economic evaluation tool. Building up from the cost-assessment process, their input led to a more refined outlook on the proposed AMS intervention. Following the training, economic evaluations were conducted at all four facilities, providing critical insights into the financial impact of antimicrobial resistance on healthcare systems
Baseline Data Dissemination
Throughout the first quarter, findings from the Phase 1 baseline activities were presented to facility representatives. Data analysis, review, and dissemination meetings were first held with the AMS teams, followed by sessions where the AMS teams shared insights with selected staff members at each site. In March, discussions were facilitated to review key insights and outline the next steps for Phase 2 of the project. These meetings allowed stakeholders to reflect on the findings, address gaps, and plan for upcoming interventions
Next Steps
In the next phase of the ASPIRE project, efforts will focus on expanding economic evaluations, refining intervention cost assessments, strengthening AMS initiatives at partner facilities, and implementing action plans for Phase 2. The continued commitment of healthcare partners remains instrumental in advancing antimicrobial stewardship efforts across all sites.
Together, we are shaping a future of responsible antibiotic use and enhanced patient care.