Dr Derek Cocker, mentor for the Fleming Fund Fellowship and Senior Lecturer at the David Price Evans Research Group, recently joined colleagues on visits to Sierra Leone and Nigeria to meet Fellows as they approach the end of their Fellowship journey.
I recently had the privilege of travelling with colleagues from the University to meet our Fleming Fund Fellows in both Sierra Leone and Nigeria. The fellowship has supported mentorship and a programme of tailored professional development for practitioners and influencers who are engaged in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance in Fleming Fund partner countries.
Reflecting on Fellows’ achievements
These visits marked a special moment for everyone involved, as we gathered to reflect on the final stages of the Fellowship and celebrate the Fellows’ achievements over the past year.
Our first stop was Freetown, Sierra Leone, where we hosted a two-day workshop bringing together Fellows from across the human, animal and environmental health sectors, along with mentors and institutional representatives. It was inspiring to hear how much progress has been made – from strengthening laboratory systems and improving data use, to creating stronger networks between institutions. Many Fellows spoke about how the Fellowship has changed not just their technical skills, but also their confidence and leadership within their workplaces.
From Sierra Leone, we travelled to Abuja, Nigeria, where we met with the Nigerian cohort of Fellows and partners. This workshop had a similar purpose: to consolidate progress, share experiences, and discuss how to sustain the impact of the Fellowship beyond its completion in December.
Like their colleagues in Sierra Leone, the Nigerian Fellows showcased impressive achievements across human, animal, aquaculture and environmental health – all underpinned by a strong commitment to collaboration and One Health principles. It was also great to be joined by Dr Samuel A. Anzaku, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria and the Head of Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, who visited during the Fellows’ presentations and took time to hear about their projects and progress first hand.
Meaningful insights
What made this trip particularly meaningful was seeing how the Fellows’ work has evolved since our first visits last year. The projects they presented were mature, practical, and already making a difference in their institutions and communities. It was wonderful to see the camaraderie between Fellows and Mentors – the sense of shared purpose that has grown throughout this journey.
Beyond the technical discussions and presentations, the trip reinforced something that sits at the heart of the Fleming Fund Fellowship: the power of connection. Building relationships – between individuals, institutions and countries – is essential if we are to address antimicrobial resistance effectively. AMR is a global challenge, and it will only be overcome through collaboration that crosses borders and disciplines.
Looking to the future of AMR work
As we look ahead to the conclusion of this phase of the Fellowship – and indeed, the Fleming Fund itself, which is now entering its final months – there is a real sense of reflection as well as pride. While the programme may be drawing to a close, its legacy will continue through the Fellows and Mentors who have built new skills, relationships and momentum. The knowledge and networks created through this initiative will continue to shape the future of AMR work across Africa and beyond.
It’s been a privilege to walk alongside our Fellows on this journey – and to see first-hand the dedication, collaboration and optimism that will carry this important work forward. We wish them all the best with their future endeavours.
