Photo of a hen against a concrete background.
Photo: Susanna Sternberg-Lewerin, SLU

Developing an IT tool for monitoring antimicrobial use, treatment outcome and animal disease

Page reviewed:  17/09/2026

An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tool was developed to support antimicrobial stewardship in low-income countries.

The MAD-tech-AMR project developed and tested a prototype system to register antimicrobial sales in pharmacies and a mobile application for farmers to report their antimicrobial use. Veterinary contacts, advice on animal diseases, husbandry, AMR and prudent use of antibiotics were also provided.

Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial use (AMU) is needed to understand risks and implement policies. Collecting AMU data in the context of disease prevalence and therapeutic outcomes can promote antimicrobial stewardship. New approaches are needed in low-income countries.

Overall, the Kenyan participants were positive about the system and were able to use it. The information available was appreciated by the farmers. The pharmacy representatives appreciated getting an overview of their sales and stated that it had given them new insights.

The developed system may be used in low-income regions, to monitor animal health and the use of pharmaceuticals, and improving animal health management. Our results demonstrate the need for close collaboration with stakeholders so that developed tools can be transferred to national ownership.

Publications

Development of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Tool for Monitoring of Antimicrobial Use, Animal Disease and Treatment Outcome in Low-Income Countries (2025)
Piloting an Information and Communication Technology Tool to Help Addressing the Challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance in Low-Income Countries (2025)

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