ECHO India, a non-profit trust working for health system strengthening through capacity building, has launched an Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in India.

The three-year pilot will be implemented in Punjab and Andhra Pradesh, engaging 400 healthcare professionals from tertiary care centres to strengthen capacity in rational antibiotic use and infection prevention. The programme was inaugurated at the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC).

The programme will use ECHO’s proven hub-and-spoke model to mentor healthcare workers, guide clinical practice, and develop a cadre of master trainers capable of leading large-scale stewardship efforts.

The purpose of the event was to bring together national and state health leaders, technical experts, and program partners to align strategies for implementing the Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme in Punjab and Andhra Pradesh. While discussions covered resistance levels, stewardship frameworks, and curricula for clinical staff, state teams shared challenges and explored mentorship models to develop trainer networks. Together, these efforts reflect a shared mission to embed sustainable stewardship practices that protect the effectiveness of antibiotics and contribute to stronger health outcomes in the years ahead.