New online courses added to global programme on tackling antimicrobial resistance

Posted on 8 December 2025 • Science, maths, computing and technology

A free online programme developed by The Open University (OU) and the Fleming Fund has been updated with four new courses to complement the existing 25 courses, providing a comprehensive professional learning package to strengthen the global response to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The online professional development programme Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance supports practitioners in adapting, building expertise, and applying new skills and knowledge to change work practices and improve AMR data surveillance. Since its launch in 2021, the programme has received over 90K visits.

AMR is an issue of great global concern. Health economists estimate that, by 2050, AMR could result in $100 trillion in lost economic activity and up to 10 million deaths each year if current trends continue. The Fleming Fund focuses on low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) because they bear the heaviest consequences of drug-resistant infections.

Widespread recognition to provide learning opportunities

Professionals involved in AMR-related roles across the One Health sectors – human, animal, and environmental – are essential for mitigating the impacts of AMR. There is widespread recognition of the need to provide learning opportunities as AMR-related knowledge and practice evolve. The Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance online programme’s primary aim is to help professionals in Fleming Fund-supported countries to enhance their work practices in their relevant roles.

The online programme comprises 29 short courses and a practice toolkit. The courses are organised into 10 learning pathways tailored to professionals’ specific job roles, including laboratory professionals, clinical services, veterinary services, policymakers, data scientists and epidemiologists. Learners choose and work through each six-hour course at their own pace.

Over 9,900 learners have enrolled and earned 4,170 digital badges recognising their learning through the courses. A considerable proportion of those learners are from Fleming Fund-supported countries and other LMICs.

Four new courses reflecting the One Health approach and the Fleming Fund’s phase 2 strategic shift priorities have now been added to extend the breadth of the programme:

• Gender and Equity in AMR Surveillance: Examines how AMR is shaped by both biological and social determinants of health; and what this means for global health policy and practice.
• AMR in the Environment: Explores the environmental dimensions of AMR and the role of environmental surveillance as part of a One Health multisectoral approach to addressing AMR.
• Whole Genome Sequencing in AMR Surveillance: Introduces the basics of whole genome sequencing and how it can be applied to AMR surveillance efforts in your country or region.
• The health and economic burden of AMR: Provides an overview of the burden of disease that bacterial AMR is responsible for, including both morbidity and mortality, and introduces the economics of bacterial AMR.

Dr Rachel McMullan, OU Fleming Fund Academic Lead, commented:

“The OU has been the Fleming Fund global learning partner since 2018, tasked with producing this online AMR surveillance-focused workforce development programme. OU researchers monitoring the programme’s impact have consistently found compelling evidence of how the courses are helping professionals transform their practice.”

Luna Parry, Senior Health Specialist and Regional Grants Lead for the Fleming Fund, Mott MacDonald:

“The Fleming Fund has supported the development of open access online courses, enabling The Open University to offer a comprehensive learning curriculum on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). These resources focus on foundational knowledge and skills in subjects relevant to the Fleming Fund and its aims, and have become a trusted source, providing individuals worldwide with access to high-quality learning opportunities.”

Country grantees supported by the Fleming Fund, and participants have shared their experience of the professional development programme:

“After completing the AMR course, I applied its principles to my work in infection control. Specifically, I implemented more judicious antibiotic prescribing practices and enhanced patient education on appropriate antibiotic use. In a recent project, this approach led to a significant reduction in antibiotic misuse and improved patient outcomes. This experience demonstrated the practical impact of AMR awareness and reinforced my commitment to promoting responsible antimicrobial use in my daily work.” (Nigeria)

“The OU resources have improved baseline knowledge and analytical thinking among trainees, particularly those with limited prior exposure to AMR concepts. Participants have reported increased confidence in interpreting AST data and understanding AMU/AMR/AMC linkages. These improvements were evident in post-training assessments and more active engagement during data review meetings.”  (Vietnam)

“We have noted that participants demonstrate a stronger understanding of AMR concepts, including the importance of surveillance and the role of various sectors. This improved understanding has been observed more in discussions during workshops and meetings. (Tanzania)

Header image credit: Mott MacDonald