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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of ten public health threats requiring urgent action during the next decade. Over the last few years, the devastating effects of COVID-19 have overshadowed the continuing presence of AMR. The increased use and misuse of antibiotics in human and animal health, together with inadequate infection prevention and control, environmental contamination and, the travel and carriage of infected humans and animals are factors which drive AMR.

This PhD research focuses on bacterial AMR, antibiotic resistance (ABR) in human health and optimising the use of antibiotics. The research takes place in Vanuatu, a small island developing state in the south-west Pacific.

This presentation will cover Ni-Vanuatu health worker’s knowledge, beliefs, and practices regarding antibiotic prescribing and awareness of ABR and the influence the COVID-19 pandemic has had on their prescribing and awareness of ABR.

My research has involved multiple trips to Vanuatu to work with Ni-Vanuatu collaborators to collect data, administer surveys and conduct interviews, and contribute towards a national antibiotic guideline.

About Nicola

Nicola is a PhD student in the National Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Global Health. An interest in Pacific Island Countries and Territories, work experience in Papua New Guinea and Fiji and a family connection in Solomon Islands led her to undertake this PhD research in Vanuatu. Nicky has a Masters in Epidemiology from the University of Queensland where she worked for several years as a medical information specialist.