Advancing vaccine uptake to mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in low and middle-income countries of South or South-East Asia
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains one of the most pressing public health threats of our time, with low- and middle-income countries in South and South-East Asia bearing a significant share of its impact. The inappropriate use of antimicrobials, coupled with gaps in access to effective prevention strategies, continues to accelerate the spread of resistant infections. Strengthening vaccination initiatives has emerged as a critical yet underutilized tool in addressing this global challenge.
This project seeks to advance vaccine uptake as a strategic intervention to mitigate AMR in the Philippines and the broader region. By reducing the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases, effective vaccination programs can directly lower the demand for antibiotics, curbing misuse and slowing the spread of resistance.
The study aims to generate key recommendations and actionable strategies for national and institutional stakeholders to better integrate vaccine initiatives with AMR control efforts. This includes identifying barriers to vaccine access and utilization, mapping opportunities for alignment with existing AMR action plans, and fostering cross-sector collaboration between health, agriculture, and policy actors.
Through this work, the project contributes to building resilient health systems that can proactively respond to AMR threats while strengthening routine immunization programs. The insights and strategies developed will serve as a guide for policymakers, program managers, and health institutions in the Philippines and across South and South-East Asia to more effectively leverage vaccination as part of a comprehensive approach to AMR mitigation.
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Understand and mitigating the influence of extreme weather events on HIV outcomes: A global investigation
The Philippines faces the dual crises of a rapidly expanding HIV epidemic and intensifying climate-related disasters, yet little is known about how extreme weather events affect HIV prevention, treatment, and care. This study addresses that gap by examining the impacts of typhoons, floods, and droughts on people living with HIV, with a focus on vulnerable populations such as men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, and people who inject drugs. The findings will provide vital evidence to inform climate-adaptive HIV care strategies and guide policies that protect at-risk communities during environmental crises.
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Incorporating Climate Change Strategies into AMR Intervention and Implementation Research Projects: A Scoping Review
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and climate change are two of today’s most pressing global health challenges, with rising temperatures and extreme weather events accelerating the spread of resistant microorganisms, particularly in vulnerable low- and middle-income countries. This project undertakes a scoping review to examine how climate change influences the development of AMR in livestock and aquaculture systems, while also assessing climate-smart practices, policies, and collaborative models that address both issues. Through literature synthesis, expert roundtables, and community dialogues, it seeks to generate evidence and insights that can inform integrated interventions, strengthen policy, and guide future research at the intersection of AMR and climate change.