Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) researchers, in collaboration with international partners, have secured a major global research grant of £2,831,047.93 (approximately Ksh489.5 million) to address the growing threat of environmental antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Africa.
The funding, awarded by the United Kingdom’s National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) under the Global Health Research Groups Call 5, will support a multi-country initiative aimed at developing practical strategies to tackle, optimise and prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistance across East and Southern Africa.
The project, titled Africa AMR-STOP: Strategies for Tackling, Optimizing, and Preventing Environmental Antimicrobial Resistance in East and Southern Africa, brings together a team of 20 researchers drawn from leading institutions in Africa and the United Kingdom. The research consortium is jointly led by Dr Jian Zhou and MMUST’s Professor William Shivoga, who are the co-lead applicants.
MMUST’s research team includes Professor Shivoga, Professor Francis Orata and Dr Anthony Sifuna, whose work has positioned the institution as a key player in regional and global health research. The initiative will be implemented in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK, the University of Pretoria in South Africa, Busitema University and Makerere University, St Mary’s Hospitals in Uganda, as well as MMUST, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital and the Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company (KIWASCO) in Kenya.
ALSO READ:
Trans Nzoia County assures ECDE teachers over DECTE, says their qualifications still valid
The Africa AMR-STOP project focuses on environmental drivers of antimicrobial resistance, a rapidly emerging public health concern linked to wastewater, healthcare facilities, agriculture and urban ecosystems. By integrating scientific research, policy engagement and community-based interventions, the project seeks to generate evidence-based solutions that can inform national and regional AMR control strategies.
Antimicrobial resistance has been identified by the World Health Organization as one of the top global health threats, with Africa facing a disproportionate burden due to limited surveillance, infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. The new funding is expected to strengthen research capacity, enhance cross-border collaboration and support the development of sustainable interventions tailored to the African context.
The grant marks a significant milestone for MMUST and underscores the growing role of Kenyan universities in shaping global health research agendas. It also places the institution at the centre of efforts to protect public health and environmental systems from the escalating threat of drug-resistant infections.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
