Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health problem, especially in Africa and Asia attributed in part to the abuse of and unfettered access to antimicrobials in humans and animals. Pharmacies and medicine vendors in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) contribute to the overuse of antibiotics by selling over the counter.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health problem, especially in Africa and Asia attributed in part to the abuse of and unfettered access to antimicrobials in humans and animals. Pharmacies and medicine vendors in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) contribute to the overuse of antibiotics by selling over the counter.
The A-STEP study is a pre-post interventional study in three Nigerian states Lagos, Abuja and Kano. The primary goal is to develop, pilot and assess the impact of a scalable educational intervention on over the counter antibiotic dispensing among pharmacists and patent medicine vendors, using “Standardized Patients” to measure outcomes of interest. This work will be complemented with an integrated knowledge translation plan, focusing on relevant national and local policy bodies, as well as professional and patient groups, to promote the adoption and enforcement of more restrictive regulations on antibiotic sales.