Publications by authors named "M Mpundu"
Background: The inappropriate use of antibiotics in hospitals contributes to the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study evaluated the prevalence of antibiotic use and adherence to the World Health Organization (WHO) Access, Watch and Reserve (AWaRe) classification of antibiotics across 16 hospitals in Zambia.
Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study employing the WHO Point Prevalence Survey (PPS) methodology and WHO AWaRe classification of antibiotics was conducted among inpatients across 16 hospitals in December 2023, Zambia.
Background: Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs are critical in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In Zambia, there is little information regarding the capacity of hospitals to establish and implement AMS programs. The objective of this study was to conduct a baseline assessment of WHO core elements for an AMS program implementation in eight hospitals in Zambia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Antibiotics are indispensable to modern healthcare, yet their equitable access remains a pressing global challenge. Factors contributing to inequities include insufficient evidence for optimal clinical use, limited registration, pricing for Reserve antibiotics, and supply chain challenges. These issues disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries, exacerbating antimicrobial resistance burdens.
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- - Rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens global health and undermines development goals like child survival, poverty reduction, and food security, necessitating a coordinated response to preserve antibiotic effectiveness.
- - The upcoming UN General Assembly meeting in September 2024 highlights a political commitment to address AMR, but meaningful action is essential, including setting clear targets for reduction in AMR-related mortality and inappropriate antibiotic use by 2030.
- - To manage antibiotic use properly, a framework utilizing the WHO's AWARE system is recommended, alongside improved infection prevention measures, access to clean water, and vaccinations, while establishing an independent panel to ensure accountability and guidance across countries.
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a threat to public health globally. Despite its consequences, there is little information about the knowledge, awareness, and practices towards AMR among healthcare workers (HCWs). Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge, awareness and practices regarding antimicrobial use (AMU), AMR and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) among HCWs who are involved in the implementation of AMS activities across eight hospitals in Zambia.
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