PediSEP-1 is an innovative partnership aimed at combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among children admitted to government-run hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA)
The project seeks to develop and implement a novel risk-differentiated care strategy that reduces unnecessary antimicrobial use and limits AMR transmission in non-tertiary centre hospitals in sSA.
By focusing on children who do not require prolonged hospitalisation or antimicrobial treatment, PediSEP-1 aims to inform health policies and guidelines at national and international levels. This approach represents a significant shift from existing broad syndrome-based paediatric care guidelines towards more precise, child-centred care based on assessment of risks.
Why this Project
AMR threatens child survival globally, with its most significant impacts in sSA. Most government hospitals in sSA follow WHO or national syndrome-based guidelines designed to catch severe infections but lack specificity, leading to over-admission and excessive antibiotic use for many low-risk children. Often, doctors with limited paediatric experience make decisions because of uncertainty, without clear guidance on antibiotic de-escalation, resulting in prolonged treatments in lower-risk children which causes increased AMR, overcrowded wards and reduced resources allocated to higher-risk children.
the Pedisep-1 Response
PediSEP-1 develops a risk-stratified care model that identifies very low-risk children who can be safely cohorted separately, stop antibiotics earlier and be discharged sooner with phone follow-up. By integrating mathematical models of antimicrobial use and transmission and developing tools like Point Prevalence Survey-plus for simple AMR monitoring, this project supports personalised paediatric care and optimises clinical workflows in resource-limited settings.
Stakeholder Engagement
Collaborating with public health authorities, clinicians, policy makers, and international organizations to ensure wide adoption and policy impact.
Digital Innovation
Implementing targeted antibiotic use protocols to curb overprescription and minimize AMR transmission in healthcare settings.
Antibiotics Management
Harnessing mobile technology and digital tools to support decision-making, data collection, and health system integration of risk-based care models.
Capacity Strengthening
Strengthening clinical and laboratory expertise among frontline healthcare workers to improve diagnosis, treatment decisions, and antimicrobial stewardship.
Project Governance
PediSEP-1 develops a risk-stratified care model that identifies very low-risk children who can be safely cohorted separately, stop antibiotics earlier and be discharged sooner with phone follow-up. By integrating mathematical models of antimicrobial use and transmission and developing tools like Point Prevalence Survey-plus for simple AMR monitoring, this project supports personalised paediatric care and optimises clinical workflows in resource-limited settings.