LUTH achieves milestone as first African organization to meet British standards for proficient use of antibiotics 

The management of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) has become the first organisation in Africa to meet the rigorous quality standards set by the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC) Global Antimicrobial Stewardship Accreditation Scheme (GAMSAS).

BSAC GAMSAS is a worldwide accreditation scheme that establishes a high bar for the quality that antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs must exceed to be considered proficient in the safe and effective utilization of antibiotics.

AMS encompasses a range of activities that promote the safe and effective application of antibiotics, ensuring they are used without posing risks of harm or danger, thus playing a pivotal role in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

ThePressNG learnt that the primary goal of antimicrobial stewardship is to optimize antimicrobial therapy. It also serves other essential purposes like reducing treatment costs, minimizing adverse effects, and lowering the risk of antimicrobial resistance development.

LUTH has made history as the first organization in Africa to attain BSAC GAMSAS accreditation.

This achievement underscores LUTH’s commitment to combating the global threat of AMR by supporting healthcare professionals responsible for the safe and responsible use of antibiotics.

Speaking on the recently achieved milestone by LUTH, the Chief Medical Director, LUTH, Prof Wasiu Adeyemo,  said,

Speaking further, he said,

Also, the Chairman, LUTH Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee and Clinical Microbiologist, College of Medicine, University of Lagos,  Prof. Oyin Oduyebo, said,  “

She went on to elaborate that Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) stands as a pivotal strategy in the prevention and management of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

AMS encompasses a variety of interventions, including prioritizing and promoting the appropriate use of antibiotics, crafting and implementing guidelines for antibiotic prescriptions, educating healthcare professionals, patients, and the public on AMR and the responsible use of antibiotics, and closely monitoring antibiotic usage and resistance patterns.