ESP Mentorship Series – Session I: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

The increasing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) continues to undermine global health gains, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to diagnostics, appropriate treatment, AMR awareness, and antimicrobial stewardship systems remains limited. This has led to a threat to both human and animal health, hence leading to the WHO listing AMR as one of the top 10 threats.

Recognizing the need to strengthen the capacity of emerging professionals and healthcare practitioners in responding to AMR, the ESP Mentorship Series seeks to provide a platform for learning, engagement, and peer-to-peer interaction. The mentorship series will bring together beneficiaries of the Ecumenical Scholarship Project, alumni, and experts to discuss pressing public health issues while building practical knowledge and leadership skills.

The inaugural session of the ESP Mentorship Series will focus on “Understanding and Combating Antimicrobial Resistance.” The session will combine expert-led presentations with interactive and participatory learning approaches to encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and practical application of concepts.

Goal: To strengthen participants’ understanding of antimicrobial resistance and promote practical approaches to antimicrobial stewardship.

Objectives: The session aims to:

1. Increase awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance, its causes, and its impact.
2. Introduce participants to principles of antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention practices.
3. Provide a platform for interaction between participants and experts in the AMR field.
4. Inspire participants to become advocates for responsible antimicrobial use within their institutions and communities.

Date: 10th June 2026

Time: 12noon-2:00pm GMT | 1:00pm-3:00pm WAT | 2:00pm-4:00pm CAT | 3:00pm-5:00pm  EAT

Proposed Format and Set-Up (2 Hours)

1. Opening Session (10 Minutes)

1. Welcome remarks
2. Introduction to the ESP Mentorship Series
3. Overview of the session objectives and agenda
4. Participant introductions/icebreaker activity

2. Interactive Lecture Session (45 Minutes): A facilitated lecture delivered by an AMR expert focusing on:

1. Understanding antimicrobial resistance
2. Drivers and consequences of AMR
3. AMR trends and challenges in Africa
4. Antimicrobial stewardship principles
5. Role of healthcare workers and young professionals in combating AMR

The lecture will encourage audience participation through: live polls/questions, short reflective prompts, real-life case examples,  and interactive discussions during the presentation

3. Curiosity Corner (30 Minutes): During this session, the facilitator will present the participants with thought-provoking questions related to the topic under discussion and invite them to share their perspective, ideas, and experience.

4. Plenary Feedback Session (15 Minutes)

1. Group presentations
2. Facilitator reflections and expert input
3. Cross-learning and experience sharing among participants

5. Q&A and Mentorship Engagement Session (10 Minutes): An open interactive session where participants can: ask technical and career-related questions, engage directly with mentors and speakers and dDiscuss opportunities for further involvement in AMR initiatives, research, and advocacy

6. Closing Session (5 Minutes)

1. Summary of key takeaways
2. Next steps for the ESP Mentorship Series
3. Appreciation and closing remarks