COMBAT-AMR Network: Comprehensive Multi-Centre Bioinformatics-based Action to Tackle AMR in sub-Saharan Africa
The COMBAT-AMR Network (“Comprehensive Multi-Center Bioinformatics-based Action to Tackle AMR in Sub-Saharan Africa”) is an international partnership dedicated to strengthening the prevention, diagnosis, and control of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in sub-Saharan Africa. Funded through the ESTHER (HKP) programme “German Hospital Partnerships,” it connects six German centers of excellence in infectious diseases and tropical medicine with partner institutions in five African countries.
Since its establishment in 2016, the network has combined clinical expertise, microbiological diagnostics, bioinformatics, research, and capacity building to improve the detection and management of resistant pathogens.
Partner Sites
The network builds on long-standing partnerships in clinical training, research, capacity building, and health-system strengthening.
Partner Institutions in Africa:
- Ethiopia:
- College of Health Sciences and Asella Teaching and Referral Hospital, Arsi University, Asella
- Jimma University Specialized Hospital, College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma
- Ghana:
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi
- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi
- Kenya:
- Kenyatta National Hospital, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi
- Kenyatta National Hospital, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi
- Rwanda:
- University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB), Butare
- University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB), Butare
- Uganda:
- Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, Kampala
Partner Institutions in Germany
- Düsseldorf University Hospital: Department for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases
- Ludwig Maximilians University Munich: Department for Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine
- University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf and Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine
- Goethe University Frankfurt/Main: Department for Infectious Diseases, HIV Therapy and Tropical Medicine
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin: Institute for Tropical Medicine and International Health
- University Hospital Leipzig: Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine
Network Objectives
COMBAT-AMR pursues a holistic approach to combating antimicrobial resistance by closely integrating clinical care, laboratory diagnostics, data analysis, and training.
Key objectives are:
Establishing a joint web-based surveillance and laboratory information system for the collection and analysis of AMR data
Improving collaboration between microbiology laboratories and clinical treatment teams
Strengthening sustainable capacities in diagnostics, data management, and antibiotic stewardship strategies
Promoting interdisciplinary training, workshops, and scientific exchange programs
Generating high-quality AMR surveillance data as the basis for evidence-based treatment decisions
By combining expertise, infrastructure, and long-term partnerships, COMBAT-AMR helps strengthen local capabilities and develop sustainable strategies to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in sub-Saharan Africa.
Completed and Ongoing Projects
Through coordinated research, training, and capacity-building programs, the COMBAT-AMR network has implemented numerous projects to improve the diagnosis, surveillance, and treatment of antimicrobial-resistant infections:
E-health study to improve digital communication and care structures
Study on postoperative surgical site infections (SSI)
Study on urinary tract infections and their spectrum of pathogens
COVERSO study
Screening study on ESBL-producing Gram-negative bacteria (⇒ Study protocol)
POC-AMR study on the rapid detection of ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing pathogens (⇒ Study protocol)
ISAVE Project
These activities have improved knowledge of AMR epidemiology, supported clinical treatment protocols, and strengthened infection prevention and control through joint training, coordinated clinical and laboratory measures, shared bioinformatics pipelines, and multicountry research.
By pooling expertise, resources, and established institutional partnerships, COMBAT-AMR has developed into an important initiative addressing antimicrobial resistance in sub-Saharan Africa.