Nigerian researcher, Yusuff Adebisi, awarded grant to tackle antimicrobial resistance

Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi, a global health advocate, has received funding from the Robert Koch Institute, under the German Federal Ministry of Health, to research antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in West Africa. This grant is part of the larger project titled “Capacity Building in Applied Public Health Research in GHPP Partner Countries – CARE,” aimed at improving public health infrastructure and research capacity in partner countries.

Adebisi, a rising star in the global health arena, is no stranger to advocating for equitable healthcare solutions. With this new funding, he is set to embark on a study that will explore current AMR responses in West Africa, with a strong focus on integrating equity into these efforts. This project could have far-reaching implications for how West African countries confront one of the most pressing global health issues of our time.

AMR, the resistance of microorganisms to antimicrobial treatments such as antibiotics, has become a critical public health concern. It threatens to undermine decades of progress in medicine, making previously treatable infections potentially deadly. In the fight against AMR, equitable responses—ensuring that vulnerable and marginalised populations are not left behind—are essential.

“For years, I have advocated for equity to be a central tenet in local, national, and global responses to AMR. The recent High-level Meeting on AMR at the UN highlighted the need for inclusive approaches to addressing AMR. With this research project, I am excited to further these efforts and contribute to this global conversation,” Adebisi shared.

Adebisi has been at the forefront of the push for equitable AMR strategies, consistently publishing articles and participating in high-level global discussions on the topic. His research aims to provide key insights into how West African nations can better integrate equity into their AMR responses, ensuring that healthcare efforts reach all communities, particularly the most vulnerable.

The significance of this study cannot be overstated. West Africa faces unique challenges in combating AMR due to gaps in healthcare infrastructure, limited access to essential medicines, and inequities that make certain populations more susceptible to drug-resistant infections. By focusing on equitable AMR responses, Adebisi’s study will aim to ensure that no community is left behind in the fight against this growing health threat.

Adebisi’s work is especially timely given the increasing attention that antimicrobial resistance is receiving on the global stage. The UN High-level Meeting on AMR recently underscored the importance of collaborative and inclusive efforts in combating this issue. Adebisi’s study will build on these discussions, offering practical insights and recommendations that could influence both policy and practice across West Africa and beyond.

This new research project represents the latest chapter in Adebisi’s already distinguished career. An alumnus of both the University of Ibadan, where he obtained his pharmacy degree, and the University of Oxford, where he earned an MSc in Global Health Science and Epidemiology as a Commonwealth Shared Scholar, Adebisi is recognised as one of Nigeria’s top 100 researchers. He has made a significant impact through his contributions to the global health field. In 2023, a bibliometric review by Amzat et al. found Adebisi to be the highest contributor to COVID-19 articles in Nigeria, further cementing his reputation as a leader in health research.

“I am deeply grateful to the Robert Koch Institute for supporting this much-needed research. The opportunity to understand how we can integrate equity into AMR responses is an honour and I look forward to laying the groundwork for future innovations in this field,” said Adebisi.

With his research now funded, Adebisi is poised to make a profound contribution to the fight against antimicrobial resistance. His work promises to shine a light on the critical role equity plays in public health, offering new strategies to ensure that AMR responses are as inclusive and effective as possible.

This is a milestone not only for Adebisi’s career but also for West Africa’s efforts to combat one of the 21st century’s greatest health challenges. Through his leadership and innovative approach, Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi continues to inspire and lead the charge toward a healthier, more equitable future for all.