Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is one of the most urgent and complex global health challenges of our time. Across Africa, the growing misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in human health, agriculture, and the environment threatens decades of medical progress. Addressing this crisis requires more than technical knowledge—it demands leadership, collaboration, and systems thinking.
The AMR Leaders Program – Cohort 4 (Africa) is designed to equip young Africans with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to become change-makers in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. If you are a tertiary-level student in Africa with an interest in public health, One Health, sustainability, or social impact, this programme offers a unique opportunity to grow into a future leader in this critical space.
About the AMR Leaders Program
The AMR Leaders Program is implemented by ReAct Africa, a leading organisation working to promote evidence-based actions and policies to counter antimicrobial resistance. The programme targets tertiary students across Africa, welcoming applicants from all academic disciplines, recognising that AMR is not just a medical issue but a systems-wide challenge.
Key Programme Details
- Programme Format: Hybrid (virtual learning with interactive engagement)
- Duration: February – May 2026
- Target Group: Tertiary-level students across Africa
- Application Deadline: 23 January 2026
Through a combination of structured learning, expert-led sessions, and collaborative activities, participants are guided to understand AMR from a One Health and systems-based perspective, linking human health, animal health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
What Participants Will Gain
The AMR Leaders Program goes beyond theory. It is intentionally designed to help students translate knowledge into action while building leadership capacity.
1. In-Depth Learning on AMR
Participants will receive structured training on antimicrobial resistance, exploring:
- The drivers and consequences of AMR in Africa and globally
- The One Health approach to AMR prevention and control
- Systems thinking and sustainable intervention design
This learning framework ensures participants understand AMR as an interconnected issue spanning multiple sectors.
2. Multidisciplinary Collaboration
One of the programme’s greatest strengths is its diverse cohort. Students from health sciences, agriculture, environmental studies, veterinary medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, social sciences, and other disciplines collaborate, share perspectives, and co-create solutions.
This multidisciplinary environment reflects real-world AMR challenges, where solutions require cooperation across sectors.
3. Practical Skills and Real-World Application
Participants will develop hands-on skills to:
- Design sustainable AMR mitigation interventions
- Apply ethical and learner-centred approaches to problem-solving
- Strengthen advocacy and communication around AMR
These skills are transferable across careers in health, policy, research, development, and advocacy.
4. Expert-Led Webinars and Workshops
The programme features webinars, workshops, and peer-learning sessions facilitated by experts in AMR, public health, and systems leadership. These sessions provide valuable insights into current research, policy debates, and practical strategies used across Africa and beyond.
5. Leadership Development and Career Exposure
Participants gain exposure to AMR-related career pathways, helping them understand how to pursue opportunities in:
- Public health and health systems strengthening
- Research and academia
- Policy, advocacy, and development organisations
- Youth-led and community-based initiatives
The programme intentionally nurtures leadership confidence, ethical engagement, and collaborative mindsets.
6. Advocacy and Youth Engagement Opportunities
Graduates of the AMR Leaders Program are encouraged to engage in youth-led advocacy at institutional, national, and regional levels. This empowers students to amplify their voices, influence conversations, and contribute to long-term solutions addressing AMR across Africa.
Who Should Apply?
The AMR Leaders Program is open to motivated and committed students who meet the following criteria:
- Currently enrolled in a tertiary institution in Africa
- Interest in public health, One Health, agriculture, environmental health, veterinary sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, social sciences, or related fields
- Willingness to actively participate throughout the programme duration
- Commitment to collaborative, ethical, and learner-centred engagement
- Access to stable internet for virtual sessions
Importantly, applicants do not need a medical background. The programme values diverse perspectives and encourages students from all disciplines to apply.
Why the AMR Leaders Program Matters
Antimicrobial resistance threatens food security, economic development, healthcare systems, and environmental sustainability. Africa’s young population represents a powerful force for innovation and change.
The AMR Leaders Program:
- Strengthens student-led AMR initiatives across Africa
- Builds a pipeline of informed, ethical, and skilled youth leaders
- Encourages action-oriented learning that goes beyond the classroom
- Contributes to safeguarding the effectiveness of antimicrobials for future generations
By empowering students to understand AMR within complex systems, the programme helps ensure that solutions are sustainable, inclusive, and impactful.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official application form provided by ReAct Africa.
👉 Official Application Link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGZJvfpCC9gHJOrd3E3t5WQ3lykdAtgBsmEHu6nCGflBiFQw/viewform
Ensure you complete all required sections carefully and submit your application before the deadline: 23 January 2026.
If you are a student passionate about health, sustainability, leadership, and social impact, the AMR Leaders Program – Cohort 4 (Africa) offers an exceptional platform to learn, connect, and lead. This is more than a training programme—it is an opportunity to become part of a growing network of young Africans committed to protecting public health and shaping a more resilient future.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative journey.