The International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID) and the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS), in collaboration with Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (CARB-X) and the Centres for Antimicrobial Optimisation Network (CAMO-Net), hosted a dynamic and engaging event on April 13, 2025, on the fringes of the European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID Global) conference in Vienna, Austria. The event, titled "Strengthening AMR Surveillance & Capacity Building through Evidence-based Solutions: Perspectives from the Frontlines," moderated by ISID’s Global Program Specialist, Dr. Mohamed Sirdar, brought together nearly 100 participants from 35 countries – a diverse group of experts, researchers, scientists, and AMR champions representing nations from Australia to Zambia.

The evening commenced with a warm welcome from ISID’s CEO, Linda MacKinnon, who emphasized the critical importance of collaboration between partners in the global fight against AMR. The agenda featured a range of insightful presentations, including:

• Global AMR Surveillance: Mohamed Sirdar, presented an overview of the ProMED-AMR network and how ISID is driving global AMR innovative surveillance and information sharing. The presentation highlighted the network's efforts to enhance surveillance, promote collaboration, and improve public health outcomes related to antimicrobial resistance. The talk also covered data collection methods, information sharing strategies, success stories, challenges, and future directions for the ProMED-AMR network.
• Contextualizing AMR Solutions: Professor Timothy Walsh (ICARS’s International Consultant) discussed tailoring AMR solutions to specific regional and local contexts with specific emphasis on low- and middle-income countries to reduce antimicrobial resistance. He discussed ICARS' core principles, which include country ownership, a One Health approach, partnership, solution-focused strategies, and sustainability.
• Innovation in Combating AMR: Richard Alm (CARB-X Chief Scientific Officer) highlighted the latest advancements in the fight against resistant bacteria, and raised the alarm regarding underreporting of bacterial infections, as well as the lack of human capacity in this arena.
• Frontline Perspectives: Compelling stories from the frontlines were shared by Dr. Marika Tsereteli (Infectious Diseases Specialist at Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia), Mr. Sonephet Vantava (Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute, Lao), and Dr. Tochi Okwor (Chair of Nigeria AMR Coordinating Committee, Nigeria), providing valuable real-world insights. Many thanks to these important field perspectives.

The event culminated in a lively moderator panel Q&A, joined by Professor Sabiha Essack (South African Research Chair (SARChI) in Antibiotic Resistance), fostering further discussion and scientific engagement. Dr. Gloria Cristina Córdoba Currea, Senior Scientific Advisor of ICARS, closed the event, amplifying the need to continue hosting such gatherings to pave the way for future collaborations. A subsequent networking reception provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to connect and build relationships.

The success of this event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, ISID and ICARS, and the collaboration of key partners, CAMO-Net and CARB-X. We extend our sincere gratitude for their commitment to advancing the fight against AMR.

We look forward to continuing the dialogue and collaboration sparked at this event as we work together to strengthen AMR surveillance, capacity building, and event-based solutions globally.

For more information, please contact Dr Mohamed Sirdar, ISID Global Program Specialist (AMR) [email protected]