Centres for Antimicrobial Optimisation Network (CAMO-Net): Optimising antibiotic use by addressing critical gaps in behaviours, communication, and surveillance through contextualised antimicrobial stewardship programmes in South Africa

The Division of Infectious Diseases & HIV Medicine at The University of Cape Town has been intrinsically involved in the core global collaboration that produced the Wellcome Trust report and subsequent publication “Optimising antimicrobial use in humans: a research roadmap”. The research themes identified in this report have informed the development of this current research proposal, addressing national priorities and building on our institutional research strengths and networks.

The newly formed Centres for AntiMicrobial Optimisation-Network (CAMO-Net) is a global collaborative research network across South Africa, Brazil, India, Uganda and United Kingdom focused on antimicrobial optimisation for use in humans. The operation of the Network is underpinned by the values of equity, local leadership, co-production of activities, knowledge mobilisation, mutual cross-regional learning, training, capacity, and capabilities strengthening, and output sharing. Its vision is a world where the appropriate, evidence-based use of antimicrobials is commonplace, supported by equitable availability and accessibility. CAMO-Net’s mission is to complement and enhance the existing ecosystem of global programmes designed to alleviate the global burden and impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and poorly treated infections by creating and nurturing a sustainable and equitable ecosystem for global research to optimise the use of antimicrobials in humans. This will be achieved through producing contextually relevant tools, technologies, guidelines, and practices that can be readily implemented with the support of governments and policymakers.