Antimicrobial stewardship core elements in six Malawian public hospitals: A 2023 audit

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a challenge to healthcare globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Malawi, frequent stockouts and the widespread dispensing of antibiotics which are not supported by prescriptions exacerbate the burden of AMR, necessitating robust stewardship interventions. This audit involved a baseline situational analysis of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions in six Malawian public facilities in the national antibiotic resistance surveillance network. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) AMS assessment tool, enrolling 30 AMS committee members across six selected public facilities. This descriptive analysis examined core elements of AMS programmes, including leadership commitment, accountability, AMS actions, educational activities, monitoring, surveillance and reporting activities.