A partnership between The Ohio State University Global One Health initiative (GOHi) and Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital in Ethiopia is increasing the hospital’s testing, tracking and capacity to improve vaccine safety and reduce dangerous antimicrobial resistance for adults, children and babies.
Two key initiatives focused on adverse events following immunization reporting and antimicrobial resistance prevention are contributing to better patient outcomes. By reporting adverse events following immunization, medical staff can promptly address potential issues and enhance vaccine safety. Meanwhile, the antimicrobial resistance project focuses on prevention, early detection and response for multidrug-resistant pathogens that can cause hospital-acquired infections. GOHi supports the hospital’s neonatal and adult intensive care units (ICU) by implementing standard infection prevention control measures, training and equipping staff and providing much-needed supplies regularly.
Finally, GOHi is supporting microbiology service delivery at Tikur Anbessa, building capacity for advanced molecular testing at the facility. GOHi provides training and skill development and implements efficient systems to enhance their overall functioning, supporting positive clinical outcomes for patients. Specialized molecular testing techniques help researchers characterize drug resistance further, and the neonatal ICU has already seen the benefits of this work. By addressing gaps in the hospital’s antimicrobial resistance management process, babies are experiencing positive clinical outcomes, contributing to a healthier, happier future for Ethiopian families.