The project
PediSEP-1 is an open-label, multi-centre, international, cross-sectional step wedge, superiority, cluster randomised controlled trial conducted across 24 months in at least six hospitals in three African countries – Kenya, Malawi and Uganda.
Objectives:
- Determine the safety and effectiveness of risk-differentiated care on antimicrobial usage and AMR transmission at hospitals in sSA.
- Strengthen African leadership through training, mentorship, and capacity strengthening to ensure local ownership and sustainability.
- To generate robust evidence that informs child healthcare policies.
- To shift paediatric care philosophy in sSA from syndromic management only to risk-differentiated, child-centred approaches.
- To support capacities and systems for AMR surveillance and stewardship in resource-limited settings.
- To contribute to global efforts in reducing AMR burden and improving child survival outcomes.
Impact
PediSEP-1 promotes a personalised, risk-based paediatric care approach to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and hospital stays. This leads to lower AMR transmission, decreased healthcare costs, less overcrowding and better resource allocation toward higher-risk children.
The project will generate essential data on antimicrobial stewardship, safety, and cost-effectiveness to inform updated clinical guidelines and policies. By improving equitable access to antibiotics and strengthening health systems, PediSEP-1 supports sustainable AMR control and enhanced child health outcomes across diverse settings.
Key outcomes:
- Clear risk assessment and care guidelines at admission and discharge
- Reduced antibiotic use and reduced AMR spread
- Cost savings and improved hospital efficiency
- Reorganisation of in-hospital care to help ensure efficient utilisation of limited resources
- To contribute to global efforts in reducing AMR burden and improving child survival outcomes.
