The Infection Control Academy of India (IFCAI), a key partner of the University of Hyderabad in healthcare professional capacity building, has been officially accepted as a member of the prestigious WHO Civil Society Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). This achievement marks a significant milestone in the global fight against one of the most critical public health challenges of our time. The WHO Civil Society Task Force on AMR currently comprises 81 member organizations from around the world, working collectively to strengthen civil society engagement in the global response to antimicrobial resistance.

The University of Hyderabad has been collaborating with IFCAI on multiple fronts, including healthcare professional capacity building and formal education programs focusing on AMR, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), and One Health approaches This partnership has been instrumental in advancing research, training, and awareness initiatives that address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in India and beyond.

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the medications designed to kill them, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. The WHO has identified AMR as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. According to recent estimates, drug-resistant infections already claim hundreds of thousands of lives each year globally, with projections suggesting this number could rise dramatically without urgent action. The crisis threatens to undermine decades of medical progress, making common infections potentially fatal and routine medical procedures increasingly risky.

The WHO Civil Society Task Force on AMR was established to support and strengthen the World Health Organization’s engagement with nongovernmental organizations and civil society groups globally. The Task Force aims to foster collaborations, build capacity, and amplify the voices of affected communities in the fight against AMR.

The partnership between the University of Hyderabad and IFCAI has already yielded significant outcomes in the realm of public health education and professional development. Collaborative programs have focused on:

  • Capacity Building: Training programs for healthcare professionals, medical students, and public health practitioners on infection prevention and control protocols.
  • Formal Education: Development of curriculum modules integrating AMR awareness, One Health principles, and evidence-based infection control practices.
  • Research Initiatives: Joint research projects examining the epidemiology of drug-resistant infections and evaluating intervention strategies.
  • Community Outreach: Awareness campaigns and educational initiatives targeting vulnerable populations and community healthcare workers.
  • G-Sparc: One of the largest IPC conferences organised in collaboration in 2024 in Hyderabad with more than 2,500 attendees.

The University of Hyderabad remains committed to supporting IFCAI’s expanded role in the global AMR response and to strengthening collaborative initiatives that contribute to this vital cause. As member institutions of this international coalition, both organizations are positioned to influence policy, drive innovation in infection control education, and advocate for evidence-based interventions.

Dr. Ranga Reddy Burri, President of IFCAI and Honorary Professor at the University of Hyderabad, expressed his enthusiasm about this recognition: “Being accepted into the WHO Civil Society Task Force on AMR is both an honour and a responsibility. This platform will enable us to amplify our efforts in combating antimicrobial resistance at a global scale while strengthening our local initiatives. Our collaboration with the University of Hyderabad has been foundational in developing evidence-based educational programs and building the capacity of healthcare professionals across India. Together, we are committed to ensuring that the voices from our region are heard in global policy discussions and that our collective expertise contributes meaningfully to the worldwide fight against AMR.”

“This recognition by the WHO validates the important work being done by IFCAI and reinforces the value of our collaborative efforts” said Prof. B R Shamanna, Professor, School of Medical Sciences, University of Hyderabad and coordinator from UoH for Diploma in Infection Prevention and Control (DIPC) a one-year programme in collaboration. “Our partnership has been focused on building robust educational frameworks and capacity-building initiatives that equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to combat AMR effectively.”

Prof Ramesh Kumar Mishra, Dean, School of Medical Sciences, University of Hyderabad commended IFCAI for this honour as well as hailed the partnership in building IPC capacity and tackling AMR in the region as well in Eastern Mediterranean and Africa through innovative academic programs.