Seminar Report
Topic: Experience on Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Malawi.
Presenter: Professor Eduard Evert Zijlstra
Organizor: Alo Bhubon Trust and Co-organizer: Square Hospital
Date: April 28, 2026, Venue: Square Hospital
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Introduction
A technical seminar was held at Square Hospital, focusing on global health challenges regarding Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The event served as a collaborative platform, organized by the South Asia Centre for Medical Physics and Cancer Research (SCMPCR) and Alo Bhubon Trust (Alo-BT), and co-organized by Square Hospital. The session featured a keynote presentation by Professor Eduard Evert Zijlstra, who shared insights derived from his extensive clinical and academic career in Malawi. On behalf of Square Hospital, the session was moderated by Dr. Arunangshu Das, Consultant in Oncology, and Dr. Raihan Rabbani, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine. Prof. Dr. Zahidul Hasan, Senior Consultant of Microbiology, Pathology, and Laboratory Medicine, delivered a brief presentation on the hospital’s current infection control protocols. This was followed by a keynote address from Professor Zijlstra.
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Keynote Speaker Profile
Professor Zijlstra is an internist specialized in Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, as well as an epidemiologist. His qualifications include:
Academic Standing: Currently serving as a Professor of Medicine at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences in Blantyre, Malawi.
Leadership: Director of the Rotterdam Center for Tropical Medicine and former Head of the Department of Medicine at the University of Malawi.
Research & Publications: He has authored over 164 PubMed-indexed publications and is the editor of The Clinical Book, a primary clinical guideline used in Malawi.
Global Advisory Roles: A frequent adviser to the World Health Organization (WHO) on infectious diseases and neglected tropical diseases.
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Presentation Highlights: AMS and AMR in Malawi
The presentation, titled “My Experience on Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Malawi,” addressed the following critical areas:
- Clinical Experience: Drawing from his decades of work in Malawi, Professor Zijlstra discussed the practical implementation of stewardship programs in resource-constrained environments.
- Public Health Impact: Insights into the intersection of AMR with other infectious diseases common in the region, such as Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
- Policy & Guidelines: Reference to his work with the National Tuberculosis Control Programme in Malawi and his contributions to clinical guidelines aimed at optimizing antibiotic use.
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Closing Remarks: Research and Data-Driven Healthcare
The seminar concluded with a shot speech by General Secretary of Alo-BT Prof. Dr. Hasin Anupama Azhari, who shifted the focus toward the future of clinical safety through academic rigor. Her address centered on three pivotal themes:
The Primacy of Research: Dr. Azhari emphasized that while immediate infection control measures are vital, sustainable progress is only possible through continuous Infection Control Research.
The Value of Data: She highlighted that data is the most critical asset for modern healthcare. Without comprehensive data collection and analysis, it is impossible to track resistance trends or measure the efficacy of stewardship programs.
A Call for Collaboration: She issued a call to action for leading institutions like Square Hospital to share their clinical data for broader research purposes. By opening data pathways for scientific study, hospitals can contribute significantly to global human benefits, helping to develop more effective treatments and protocols for the entire medical community.
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Conclusion and Discussion
The session concluded with a discussion involving the Oncology and Medical Directorate heads. The dialogue emphasized the necessity of integrating robust stewardship protocols within specialized departments, such as Oncology, to mitigate the risks of resistance in immunocompromised patients. The insights provided by Professor Zijlstra offer a framework for enhancing local AMS strategies through international collaboration and evidence-based practice.