With global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) threatened by antimicrobial resistance (AMR), how can social science play a critical role in finding solutions?
Demystifying AMR in Kenya: the real-life impact
On International Women's Day, we celebrate the Fleming Fund Policy Fellows Dr Romona Ndanyi and Dr Evelyn Wesangula, supported by the University of Edinburgh, who have produced a powerful documentary on the real-life impact of AMR, ‘The Silent Pandemic'.
The Fleming Fund Fellowship Scheme provides opportunities for professionals in low and middle-income countries to develop skills, knowledge, and expertise on AMR through a structured programme of training and mentorship delivered by globally renowned universities.
The Kenyan Fellow's film aimed to build momentum across the country and encourage uptake of the AMR National Action Plan, increasing awareness of policymakers and the public about AMR and its consequences.
Image shows: Kenyan AMR Policy Fellows conducting a Stakeholder engagement workshop during the development of the Silent Pandemic Documentary, with the Trans Nzoia County Antimicrobial Stewardship Interagency Committee (CASIC) members at the Crane Suites Hotel Kitale.
Reframing AMR narrative
Working together as members of the national AMR secretariat, the Fellows identified gaps in knowledge and understanding of AMR. This strengthened the need to raise awareness across national and sub-national governments about AMR issues and a One Health approach.
While engaging in various AMR awareness activities, Evelyn and Romona realised the need to reframe the narrative. They decided to make a documentary to highlight personal stories on the effects of AMR, engaging the public and policymakers alike.
“Working at the policy level, I struggled to package AMR for the public, unable to find a survivor when describing the impact of AMR on life and livelihoods. It was important to try and bring AMR closer to home, put a face to it, and amplify its impact on society," said Evelyn.
Dr Evelyn Wesangula, National AMR Focal Point, Ministry of Health, Kenya.
AMR consequences
To bring their vision to life, Romona and Evelyn collaborated with Nairobi-based production house Distory Communications, adding depth and expertise to their storytelling. The film draws out the individual effects of AMR on individuals and how action on AMR can directly benefit patients and families.
For example, one story highlighted shows the power of laboratory diagnostics, specifically Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing which guides treatment plans, as well as reducing cost, and improving patient outcomes with more targeted diagnosis. Another story depicts the importance of patient and family engagement in the continuum of care, enabled by adequate information sharing from improved AMR data shared with the hospital.
“By sharing real-life cases of the consequences of AMR and using some of our influential leaders in the healthcare and animal health sectors, the film has helped to alert and inform the Kenyan public and beyond,” said Romona.
Dr Romona Ndanyi, Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, Veterinary Medicines Directorate, Kenya.
Grassroots voices to policy action
The Fellows came up against the challenge of completing the film during an election year in Kenya. Facing potential transitions and diverted interests and focus from key government stakeholders, they managed to deliver the project successfully and target both the public as well as health ministries.
“Our biggest lesson was the impact of the real-life stories, making AMR a reality, and how it matters at both the grassroots and policy levels, said Evelyn. “We found policymakers are willing to contribute to building AMR awareness, but this is not possible without multisectoral collaboration and society-wide engagement.”
“We would also benefit from establishing an in-country mentorship programme for policy development and implementation to support Kenya’s AMR National Action Plan and work with the Media to enhance responsible reporting on AMR,” added Romona.
The documentary won the prestigious Regional AMR Champion Media House Award.
Award win
The film was honoured with the 2023 Regional AMR Champion Media House Award for its ‘outstanding contribution to raising AMR awareness’.
The award ceremony in Zimbabwe, sponsored by the World Health Organization and the African Union, with a competitive pool of 53 entries from across the continent, celebrates excellence in media coverage and individual journalistic endeavours that demystify and raise awareness about AMR across Africa.
“The media award not only acknowledges the Fellows’ dedicated efforts but also stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to addressing AMR concerns on a global scale. Their collaborative approach serves as a powerful example of how collective efforts can truly make a meaningful impact. Romona and Evelyn aspired to elevate AMR as a critical policy concern at national and county levels, bringing it to the forefront of public awareness and catalysing transformative changes in perceptions and actions related to public policy.”
Romana Gorjanc, Project Officer, Fleming Fund Fellowship Scheme at the University of Edinburgh.
“What struck me most was the conviction needed from Evelyn and Romona in planning the documentary throughout their Fellowship – it has helped to break the silence surrounding AMR in Kenya and the East and Southern African regions.”
Prof Liz Grant, Fleming Fund Fellowship Scheme Mentor, University of Edinburgh.
Fleming Fund Alumni Kenyan AMR Policy Fellows, Evelyn (left) and Romona (right), attending a Workshop to finalise policy brief on 'Implementing the National Policy on the Prevention and Containment of AMR' at the Ciala Resort, Kisumu (19-22 Dec, 2022).
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Knowledge Notes
From Knowledge Notes, Beyond Bugs and Drugs, an AMR social science opportunity , Date: 11/08/2023
As part of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2022 in November last year, Head of the Fleming Fund’s Expert Advisory Group Dr Catriona Waddington joined an esteemed panel of speakers from the AMR community at the symposium, ‘The rising tide of antimicrobial resistance – a high price to pay’ hosted by Ineos Oxford Institute, Oxford Martin School.