On 26 September 2024, the Chronic Diseases Clinic of Ifakara (CDCI), which is run by the Ifakara Health Institute and partners, held a hands-on training session on the "Management of Infections in Times of Antimicrobial Resistance" for emerging healthcare professionals in Tanzania. 

The two-day training, which ran from September 26 to 27, 2024, was organized in collaboration with the St. Francis Regional Referral Hospital (SFRH), Swiss TPH, and University Hospital Basel, and took place at SFRH in Ifakara.

The training aims to equip healthcare professionals with essential skills in diagnosing and managing infections amid the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance, a growing global health concern. Key topics include clinical diagnosis, microbiological testing, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, and neonatal sepsis.

Infectious disease specialist Prof. Dr. med. Maja Weisser and Dr. Ezekiel Luoga from Ifakara Health Institute, organized and facilitated the course. Additional facilitators included a physician, PD Dr. Med Martin Rohacek, a physician; and Josephine Mhina, a lab technician – all from Ifakara, and Peter Mang'ara, lab scientists at SFRH.

With 20 participants, the training offered personalized attention to ensure each attendee gained a thorough understanding of infection management strategies. Participants had the opportunity to engage in interactive lecture sessions and practical lab work gaining a comprehensive learning experience.

This training marks a significant step in improving the management of infectious diseases, particularly in resource-limited settings where antimicrobial resistance remains a critical challenge.