Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health threat for humans, animals, and the environment, with the highest mortality and morbidity rates observed in sub-Saharan Africa. The number of deaths due to severe infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria (MDR GNB) in the region are steadily increasing. Yet, due to a lack of microbiological diagnostics in the Global South, critical pathogens often go undetected in patients and access to novel antibiotic treatments remains limited.

The ComBac-Africa project aims to address this growing crisis by establishing a needs-adapted diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship programme that provides equitable access to novel, often lifesaving, antibiotics for targeted treatment. In collaboration with partners in Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria, the project will improve diagnostics, increase our understanding of bacteria and transmission mechanisms between humans, animals and the environment (One Health), and develop diagnostic-therapeutic algorithms to optimise treatments. The novel approach will be implemented in a clinical trial to assess how it can improve treatment of severe infections due to MDR GNB.