In the sweltering heat of West Africa, a team of dedicated scientists from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) are waging a crucial battle against a looming global health crisis: antimicrobial resistance (AMR). From the bustling fish farms of Nigeria to the remote lagoons of Sierra Leone, their fieldwork is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required to tackle a threat that could claim millions of lives by 2050.
AMR, the phenomenon where bacteria and microbes evolve to resist life-saving drugs, is a silent pandemic that knows no borders. Its spread through environmental pathways – water, soil, and air – poses a significant risk to food sources and ecosystems, making it a truly global challenge. This is where projects like AMR One Health West Africa, spearheaded by CEFAS, step in, confronting the complex realities of long-term health issues through rigorous fieldwork.
For CEFAS, operating in West Africa means venturing into remote locations, a stark contrast to the controlled environments of their laboratories. Yet, this fieldwork is indispensable. It provides real-world data, vital for understanding and combating AMR in aquaculture. But the challenges are immense: navigating cultural differences, adapting to unpredictable conditions, and maintaining scientific integrity in a hot, resource-scarce environment.
“Fieldwork in Ghana is an exciting and dynamic experience,” says Andrew Joseph, a CEFAS microbiologist. But this excitement is tempered by the need for meticulous planning and adaptability. The team collaborates closely with local partners and the British High Commission, ensuring smooth operations and navigating cultural nuances.
The region’s intense climate adds another layer of complexity. Heatstroke is a constant concern, demanding careful planning of hydration, breaks, and first-aid provisions. “You really need to plan even when you’re going to have your meals,” says Athina Papadopoulou, a CEFAS bacteriologist, highlighting the need for constant vigilance.
Resourcefulness is paramount. In remote areas, the team operates with “a lab in a suitcase,” a portable setup enabling on-site water analysis. They also anticipate logistical challenges, packing essential consumables to avoid reliance on unreliable shipments. “If you see us having two suitcases, chances are that one of them has consumables in it,” Papadopoulou jokes.
Maintaining sample integrity in the heat is a constant battle, requiring ample ice and rigorous protocols. The team even wears hazmat suits during sample collection to prevent contamination. “You need to be very aware and do a constant assessment of the situation you’re at,” Papadopoulou explains.
Despite the challenges, the work is deeply rewarding. CEFAS is not only gathering crucial data but also empowering local communities. They provide training and analytical support, helping nations like Ghana develop their own research capabilities. “Getting this interaction and sharing the knowledge with them is very rewarding,” Papadopoulou says.
This collaborative approach fosters trust and ensures that research aligns with local needs. “It is a partnership and the countries are approaching us to ask for support,” she emphasizes. By building local capacity, CEFAS is helping to create a more resilient global response to AMR.
As the world grapples with this silent pandemic, the work of CEFAS in West Africa serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fieldwork, collaboration, and resilience in the face of global challenges. Their efforts are not just about collecting data; they are about building a future where communities are equipped to protect themselves from the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
