On October 1, 2025, an information workshop on the EDCTP ComBac AFRICA project was held at the Pasteur Institute of Côte d'Ivoire (IPCI). It began with a welcome address by Professor Offianan André TOURE, Director of Research at the IPCI.

Following this, several presenters took the floor and explained to participants that this project, divided into eight (8) activity packages, has the main objective of improving the management of serious infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) in Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, and Nigeria through the establishment of an effective antimicrobial diagnosis and management program. It was also noted that activity package 2, led by the IPCI, will enable an in-depth assessment of the current capacities of the laboratories involved in the project in the three countries. This will help to establish standardized procedures and provide training where necessary to improve capacities and propose innovative diagnostics. Activity package 6 will consist of conducting an adaptive clinical trial to improve clinical outcomes for septicemia caused by multidrug-resistant GNBs by implementing evidence-based treatment algorithms that allow targeted access to new antibiotics.

A discussion session was open to all participants, who were able to exchange views on the various topics covered in the presentations and benefit from the advice and recommendations of Professor Serge EHOLIE, who is a member of the steering committee and is available to contribute significantly to the smooth running and success of the project.

With regard to the study sites, a meeting will be organized between the CSRS, the IPCI, and other stakeholders to finalize the list of sites that will be dedicated to the study, which will last 48 months.

All parties and stakeholders present confirmed their commitment to this project, which will address an important issue, and we are confident that it will lead to the regulation of antibiotic use in Côte d'Ivoire, particularly in hospitals. All stakeholders also confirmed that the PPS and CAP surveys on antibiotic prescribing will not require approval from the national ethics committee. However, the study sites and regulatory authorities must be informed in writing.

The workshop concluded with words of encouragement and congratulations from Professor EHOLIE, Head of the Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department (SMIT) at Treichville University Hospital and President of the Medical Section of the National Security Council, and Syndou MEÏTE, Director of the IPCI. They expressed their confidence in the collaboration initiated between the IPCI, the CSRS, and other stakeholders, which will contribute to the success of this project.

Joseph Anoh/CelCom