A transformative initiative to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in African children’s hospitals has officially launched. PediSEP-1, funded by the Global Health European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership Joint Undertaking (EDCTP3), introduces a modernised, risk-based approach to paediatric infection care across several African sites.
AMR, largely driven by overuse of antibiotics, is a global public health threat. In Africa, clinical guidelines often encourage prolonged hospital stays and routine antibiotic use—even for children at low risk of severe infection. This practice contributes to AMR spread within hospitals and communities, placing unnecessary strain on healthcare systems.
PediSEP-1’s novel strategy will stratify children by infection risk. Those identified as very low-risk will be eligible for early discharge, supported by a virtual ward model developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The system includes telephonic follow-up and targeted caregiver education, ensuring safe and supported recovery at home.
“Currently, inpatient paediatric treatment guidelines are applied to very broad groups of children with a wide range of risks,” said Professor Jay Berkley, Chief Investigator of PediSEP-1. “In low- and middle-income countries, key patient management decisions are often made by inexperienced clinicians. Developing guidance based on risk aims to safely redirect resources from lower- to higher-risk children and reduce the spread of AMR.”
The project also includes a multi-centre clinical trial to evaluate impact, focusing on AMR transmission, resource use and healthcare costs. With its targeted, evidence-based approach, PediSEP-1 aims to set a new standard in paediatric care and build a stronger foundation for future healthcare policy in Africa.