Antimicrobial stewardship core elements in six Malawian public hospitals: A 2023 audit

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a challenge to healthcare globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Malawi, frequent stockouts and the widespread dispensing of antibiotics which are not supported by prescriptions exacerbate the burden of AMR, necessitating robust stewardship interventions. This audit involved a baseline situational analysis of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions in six Malawian public facilities in the national antibiotic resistance surveillance network. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) AMS assessment tool, enrolling 30 AMS committee members across six selected public facilities. This descriptive analysis examined core elements of AMS programmes, including leadership commitment, accountability, AMS actions, educational activities, monitoring, surveillance and reporting activities.

抗菌药物耐药性（AMR）是全球医疗保健领域面临的挑战，尤其在低收入和中等收入国家更为突出。在马拉维，频繁的药品短缺以及未遵医嘱广泛分发抗生素的现象加剧了AMR的负担，迫切需要实施强有力的管理干预措施。本审计涉及对国家抗菌药物耐药性监测网络中六个马拉维公立设施抗菌药物管理（AMS）干预措施的基线情况分析。数据收集采用源自世界卫生组织（WHO）AMS评估工具的结构化问卷进行，纳入六个选定公立设施中的30名AMS委员会成员。此次描述性分析考察了AMS计划的核心要素，包括领导承诺、问责制、AMS行动、教育活动、监测、监督和报告活动。