ICARS and IDRC plan to launch a joint project on gender and antimicrobial resistance

 
January 20, 2022
IDRC and the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS) are one step closer to launching a request for proposals for a research project on gender and antimicrobial resistance.
Three students wearing labcoats and hijabs observe a researcher collecting a sample from a tiger prawn using a syringe in a laboratory setting.
IDRC / Bartay
Undergraduates Farah, Ani and Hikmah watch as postgraduate researcher Chua demonstrates the collection of Haemolymph from a Penaeus Monodon (Tiger Prawn) at the Institute of Bioscience of the Universiti Putra Malaysia. This project is testing a novel alte

IDRC and ICARS recently wrapped up three roundtable discussions aimed at identifying priority research areas relating to gender and the prevention and containment of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans, animals and the environment.  

The output from the expert roundtables, held between November 30 and December 6, 2021, are being used to inform and refine the scope of the research project as well as to inform IDRC and ICARS programs on AMR.  

The roundtables brought together experts from across Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, Europe and North America. Participants included experts in AMR and gender research,  people working at the intersection of AMR and gender as well as policymakers.  

The research gap 

The emergence and spread of  antimicrobial resistance presents risks to the health and livelihoods of communities around the world. These risks can differ considerably across populations. While gender equality is a well-recognized priority in health and development agendas, there are limited reviews and studies on the interplay between gender and AMR and even fewer best practices or guidelines on how to incorporate a gender lens in AMR research. A better understanding of the links between gender and AMR could inform the development of better targeted interventions to address AMR and ensure that these do not have unintended consequences on gender equality.  

A new call coming in 2022 

IDRC and ICARS expect to release a joint request for proposals  from research organizations in early 2022. The organization whose proposal is successful will be commissioned for a year-long project to:  

summarize priority research gaps and challenges to address gender equality in AMR intervention and implementation research in low- and middle-income countries    

develop a guidance document for implementing good practices to promote gender inclusivity and integrating a strong gender lens in AMR research 

Watch for the call on the ICARS and IDRC websites and social media channels. In the meantime, read more on the gender and AMR roundtables on the ICARS website. 

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