The researchers of the PREVENT IT project undertook a five-day intensive training at Universidade Catolica Portuguese, Lisbon, Portugal from 13th June 2022 to 17th June 2022. The training was provided by experts from various fields viz. pharmacy, public health, biotechnology, infectious diseases, health policy, and global health.
The researchers were welcomed by Mr. Ricardo and Ms. Joana Camilo. Introduction on how Bayer, a pharmaceutical company, takes up patient-centric activities across all phases of clinical trials was discussed. An overview of technology transfer models and phases including Intellectual Property Rights Management was provided to the participants. Lecture on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) including the biogeography of AMR in domestic sewage in Europe and the geographic pattern of AMR, especially in pigs and poultry in Europe showed the ground reality. An in-depth session on newer and effective strategies for Antimicrobial stewardship programs and infection prevention and control was provided to the participants. Discussions took place on integrated stewardship model and integration of antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention activities.
Researchers were introduced to various existing surveillance networks in Europe, viz, European Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance Network (EARS-Net), European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption Network (ESAC-Net) and Healthcare-Associated Infections Network (HAI-Net). An interactive session on goals and results of the implementation of the National Program on Infection Prevention and Antimicrobial Resistance in Portugal was organized by the host institute. The participants also got an insight on the good management of infectious diseases and the challenges faced by the healthcare system globally. The information on the international funding opportunities possible between India and European countries was elaborated.
The visit to Parliament and discussion on the key strategies undertaken at the political level to control AMR was a new experience for the researchers. The field visit to Synlab, one of the biggest private laboratories in Portugal was a special experience for the researchers. The researchers were introduced to various advanced diagnostic systems used in biochemistry, microbiology, and immunology. The researchers also visited the Luz hospital to learn about the hospital’s organisation and management and to observe the various activities undertaken by the hospital to prevent and control infections. The visit to the National Institute of Health (NIH), Portugal helped the researchers to get a detailed overview of how the NIH holds the responsibility of being the reference lab. Further, the faculty explained in detail various ongoing and upcoming projects on Antibiotic resistance as well as the One Health approach. Overall, the training broadened the horizons of the participants in relation to the various strategies used to prevent and control AMR.
To access the agenda of the training, please click here!
