Ministries from Low- and Middle-Income Countries can submit Expressions of Interest to partner with ICARS before June 15th.
The International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS) invites ministries in Low- and Middle-Income Countries to apply for projects that support the implementation of their National Action Plans for tackling Antimicrobial Resistance. ICARS provides funding and expertise through a co-development process where the country requesting support is an equal partner and collaborator on the project. In 2021, the remaining deadlines for submitting Expressions of Interest are June 15th and October 15th. More information about the process and documents is available on our website.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest threats to the health of humans, animals, crops and the environment. It is a One Health challenge that requires strong partnerships between government ministries and a range of national and regional stakeholders, including but not limited to research organizations, civil societies, and private and non-governmental sectors.
According to the Tripartite, as of January 2021, 143 countries have developed National Action Plans (NAPs) for the mitigation of AMR. This is a very positive development that stems from an increase in global awareness of the threat of AMR and in policies aiming to mitigate it. However, implementation remains a challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). ICARS was created to fill the implementation gap and provide support to the countries that need it most.
At ICARS, our mission is to partner with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in their efforts to reduce drug-resistant infections. We do this by co-developing tailored solutions with LMIC governments and researchers, who then implement them on the ground using ICARS funding and expertise, building on AMR National Action Plans.
The process as described on our website begins with an Expression of Interest submitted by the LMIC ministry that wishes to lead one or more projects to tackle AMR. The countries eligible to receive support are those on the DAC (OECD Development Assistance Committee) list of ODA recipients. Any country on the list is welcome to contact ICARS and initiate discussions through an Expression of Interest – see template here.
ICARS has already successfully entered into partnerships with the governments of Vietnam and Georgia (both of which have ICARS projects in advanced stages) while also being in the co-development process with more than 6 other countries. The focus of projects can range from stewardship to prevention and infection control, and all the way to testing interventions to control AMR. For example, the project currently being implemented in Vietnam focuses on reducing the use of colistin in agriculture by implementing alternative interventions (including vaccination, use of less-critical alternative antibiotics to colistin and zinc oxide).
We look forward to reviewing new Expressions of Interest following the June 15th deadline and enlarging our circle of partners who share our goal – to reduce drug-resistant infections around the world.
