Engagement of a Service Provider to Provide Technical Assistance (TA) on Laboratory-Based Surveillance and Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR)

Description of the Project:

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical public health threat globally, with Nigeria especially vulnerable due to factors like antibiotic misuse in medicine and agriculture and easy access to non-prescribed antibiotics. Weak laboratory and surveillance systems further aggravate the issue. To address AMR, this project will support Nigeria in enhancing laboratory capacity for surveillance, aligned with the National Action Plan on AMR, which calls for stronger surveillance, improved infection control, and better regulation. Collaborating with national health institutions, the private sector, and stakeholders, the project aims to build a resilient AMR response, improving health outcomes and preserving antimicrobial effectiveness.

The objectives of the project:

• To review existing protocols related to antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) and standardize national guidelines for AST and the identification protocols for pathogens of interest in AMR surveillance.
• To conduct comprehensive training programs for laboratory professionals in the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the 36+1 states in Nigeria to ensure they are well-versed in the latest AMR detection, interpretation standards and established AST guidelines.
• To establish a pilot environmental surveillance system to test and refine surveillance methodologies, which includes the development of implementation plans and data management systems tailored to AMR data analysis and reporting.
• To implement a system of regular supportive supervision visits to monitor, evaluate, and provide ongoing assistance to laboratory facilities nationwide, ensuring consistent application of AMR surveillance protocols.
• To educate and train laboratory staff from research and clinical diagnostic facilities on standardized procedures for the transfer and archiving of biological materials related to AMR.
• To harmonize existing guidelines on the collection, transfer, and storage of biological materials to prevent discrepancies and improve the reliability of AMR data across different regions and facilities.
• To disseminate updated and harmonized guidelines and procedures across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria to ensure a consistent approach in handling biological materials used in AMR surveillance.

Interventions/achievements:

PGS is leading the implementation of all aspects of the project objectives, including desk reviews, stakeholders mapping, review of AST protocol, Standardization of National Guidelines for AST and development of training manuals. PGS tapped into the relationships it has built over the years to convene stakeholders related to AMR and Laboratories and to provide a faculty of experts in the AMR space in Nigeria in order to strengthen National Laboratory AMR network operations. PGS will also be overseeing the establishment of governance structure and framework, training of personnel and collection and archiving of infectious pathogens.

Related Activities: Monitoring and Evaluation, Capacity Building at the LGA level, Standardization of National Guidelines