The DxAMR Collaborative’s Steering Committee has met for the first time, bringing together leaders from across global health, academia, industry and international organisations to help guide the future direction of the Collaborative.
Chaired by Professor Alison Holmes, the Committee includes representatives from the World Health Organization, Médecins Sans Frontières, LifeArc, Cepheid, the University of Ghana and the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Together, the group will provide strategic oversight and support the Collaborative’s mission to improve equitable access to diagnostics for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The Steering Committee members are:
- Professor Alison Holmes, Fleming initiative (Chair)
- André Abreu, Brazilian Ministry of Health
- Dr Anne Beaubrun, Cepheid
- Dr Ghada Zoubiane, LifeArc
- Professor Gordon Awandare, West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana
- Dr Maria Guevara, Médecins Sans Frontières
- Dr Silvia Bertagnolio, WHO
- Peter Howitt, Fleming Initiative
During the meeting, members reviewed the progress made since the Collaborative was established and discussed how the five Technical Working Groups will develop over the coming years. There was strong support for creating clearer long-term plans and mechanisms to ensure close links between the working groups and the Steering Committee.
The importance of broad representation was also highlighted, with members recognising the need to strengthen participation from Asia and expand expertise in areas such as One Health and environmental health. Discussions also explored how the Collaborative’s work aligns with wider global initiatives, including the WHO Global Diagnostic Coalition, and identified opportunities to strengthen partnerships and support future sustainability.
Professor Alison Holmes, DxAMR’s inaugural Chair, said: “The DxAMR Collaborative was established to bring together partners from across sectors and regions to strengthen the role of diagnostics in addressing antimicrobial resistance. Our first Steering Committee meeting marked an important step in putting in place the structures and partnerships needed to support this work. I’m encouraged by the commitment and expertise around the table, and I look forward to working together to ensure the Collaborative delivers practical and equitable solutions that meet the needs of countries around the world.”
As the DxAMR Collaborative continues to grow, the Steering Committee will play a key role in helping to shape priorities, strengthen partnerships and ensure that the needs of low- and middle-income countries remain central to its work.
The next Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for autumn 2026 and will include discussions on strengthening links between diagnostics and surveillance.
