What have we been doing in Africa?

The Change Exchange, a group of Health Psychologists who conduct research, hosted by The University of Manchester, approached us to support their work in the Commonwealth Countries using behaviour change techniques to reduce antibiotics being prescribed so frequently.

Anti-microbial resistance and anti-microbial stewardship are huge issues in developing countries and are likely to have a worldwide impact. As Health Psychologists we are perfectly placed to use our training, consultancy and behaviour change skills to help health professionals change their behaviour.

We used a number of Health Psychology models, and worked in hospitals and settings across Uganda, Kenya, Malawi & Zambia over the course of the last couple of years.

The work was multidisciplinary and we worked with infectious disease consultants, pharmacists, GP’s, emergency medicine doctors and nurses from the UK, and all cadre of staff in-country, to deliver meaningful behaviour change. Usually our visits lasted two weeks.

We have made excellent links and loved our time in Africa, so we are hoping the work will continue.