Early Career Researcher 2020
Dr Chioma Achi
Veterinary Medicine
School of Biological Sciences
The Vice-Chancellor's Awards
for Research Impact and Engagement
About the researcher
Dr Chioma Achi is a Doctoral Researcher specialising in Antimicrobial Resistance at the Department of Veterinary Medicine within the School of Biological Sciences. She is passionate about contributing to research that improves public health and food security especially in low and middle-income countries. She is also particularly interested in food safety, the epidemiology of zoonotic diseases and public health. Currently Chioma is researching antimicrobial resistant Salmonella and its transmission between people, animals and the environment.
The Vice-Chancellor's Awards
for Research Impact and Engagement
About the researcher
Dr Chioma Achi is a Doctoral Researcher specialising in Antimicrobial Resistance at the Department of Veterinary Medicine within the School of Biological Sciences. She is passionate about contributing to research that improves public health and food security especially in low and middle-income countries. She is also particularly interested in food safety, the epidemiology of zoonotic diseases and public health. Currently Chioma is researching antimicrobial resistant Salmonella and its transmission between people, animals and the environment.
My project is about leaving no one behind and engaging farmers in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Dr Chioma Achi
What is the research?
Strengthening participation of poultry farmers in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
The World Health Organisation estimates 10 million deaths from Antimicrobial-Resistance (AMR) by the year 2050.
While Chioma was interacting with farmers in Nigeria during her fieldwork, she realised that awareness around resistance to antimicrobials and its impact on animal and human health was low; this was evident in the number of resistant bacteria she identified during analysis.
Chioma felt weighed down by the knowledge that the world is running out of effective antibiotics and that AMR is no respecter of geographical boundaries, she knew inaction was no option. This led her to organise a state-wide engagement-program on AMR bringing together stakeholders in Nigeria.
The overall project aim was to improve the awareness of farmers on antimicrobial resistance and its impact on human and animal health and engage farmers in exploring ways to change practices relating to antimicrobial use.
By bringing key stakeholders together, she ensured sustainability and community ownership of the project in both the short and long-term. The short-term impact aim was to encourage farmers to change some farming practices by using less antimicrobials and embracing better biosecurity measures, good hygiene and sanitation on their farms. The long-term aim was to significantly reduce the number of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella strains isolated from Nigeria and their circulating AMR genes.
The program directly reached 200 farmers that actively participated and was also aired on National Television, reaching approximately 5,000 viewers with the key messages on AMR.
Analysis of pre and post programme questionnaires demonstrated an 80% increase in awareness of the public health dangers of using antimicrobials in livestock and an increased understanding of AMR. Moreover 69% of farmers had their perception of the possibility of raising livestock without antimicrobials changed and said they would practise more preventative and better biosecurity measures on their farms.
Farmers were inspired to participate in the fight against AMR. They designed action plans to reduce antimicrobial use on their farms and agreed to receive a monthly call to discuss their progress.
Hauwa Kabir Yeldu, who attended the programme, said: “I enjoyed every bit of it, especially the interactive session where ideas were discussed. I will be using the information to also help my neighbours so that their own issues will not be transferred back to me or my farm. We thank you so much and also hope more of this kind of seminars/workshop will be held periodically”.
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This is a really effective engagement activity - clear stakeholders were identified and involved appropriately, the information and format was appropriate, with evidence of the participants incorporating their new insights into their own practices. Well done!
The judges
Quick fire Q&A
Dr Chioma Achi
1
What would others be surprised to learn about you?
Not sure, I am always “me” with everyone I meet.
2
If you could wake up tomorrow with a new skill, what would it be?
In Science, being an expert bioinformatician. At home, getting better at baking!
3
What advances would you like to see in your field within your lifetime?
Where the pathogens responsible for antimicrobial-resistant infections and their susceptibility patterns can be detected in a few minutes at a patient’s bedside.
4
What bit of your role gives you the most satisfaction?
Being able to share my knowledge, especially with those who could be smarter but deprived of having better opportunities.
5
What three words best describe you?
Driven, passionate and hospitable
6
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by how far I have come, considering my background.
7
What do you do to relax?
Taking long walks and watching movies with the family.
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