The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), in collaboration with the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), held a close-out meeting for the Fleming Fund Country Grant, an initiative that has significantly strengthened Zambia’s response to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The project, which began in 2019, is scheduled to conclude in March 2026.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr Kennedy Lishimpi, Permanent Secretary for Technical Services at the Ministry of Health, expressed the Government’s gratitude to the Fleming Fund for its invaluable support in advancing the country’s AMR response.

He stated that the Fleming Fund’s collaboration and technical assistance have been pivotal in strengthening laboratories, surveillance systems, and stewardship structures nationwide, which are key achievements of the project.

Dr Lishimpi further noted that Zambia has made noteworthy progress and has laid a strong foundation for the rational use of antimicrobial medicines at both national and sub-national levels.

Representing the British Government, Mr Simon Ten Brinke-Jackson, British Deputy High Commissioner to Zambia, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s AMR agenda. He commended the Fleming Fund’s partnerships and their impact on revitalising laboratories, improving data analysis and reporting, and strengthening treatment and stewardship guidelines.

Mr Brinke-Jackson extended special thanks to CIDRZ, the Fleming Fund Country Grantee, for its technical leadership and close collaboration with Government institutions, which he said were central to the achievements recorded so far.

The Deputy High Commissioner further emphasised that long-term sustainability of AMR efforts will depend on a Zambia-led, multisectoral approach,one that is strengthened by increasing domestic commitment and coordinated contributions from all stakeholders.

He reaffirmed the UK’s continued support.“We remain committed to supporting ZNPHI and the Ministry of Health through UKHSA, particularly in strengthening surveillance, laboratory systems, and overall health security capabilities.”

Meanwhile, Assistant Director for Field Services at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Dr Fusya Goma, highlighted the remarkable progress made in the animal health sector. She noted that the support provided through the Fleming Fund helped establish a clear roadmap for improving the availability of high-quality AMR data at both facility and national levels, ensuring that such data is shared with decision-makers and international reporting platforms.

The meeting also featured a roundtable discussion, where participants deliberated on key sustainability priorities for Zambia’s AMR response. Topics included funding priorities for the surveillance system, strategies for securing additional resources, and ensuring continuity of the gains made under the Fleming Fund.