Meet Claire MacDonald, a dedicated Clinical Pharmacist whose recent work has made a significant impact on global health. Claire has played a vital role in the Ghana Partnership, an international initiative spearheaded by the Commonwealth Partnerships for Antimicrobial Stewardship and the Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group. This project focuses on developing a sustainable antibiotic stewardship (AMS) programme in Ghana, aimed at promoting responsible antibiotic use and combating the global threat of antimicrobial resistance.
In May 2024, Claire was one of seven healthcare professionals from across Scotland who travelled to Ghana to support this essential work. While there, she engaged with local hospitals involved in the project, advocating for the principles of AMS and helping to drive forward meaningful change. Claire facilitated a learning session with Ghanaian colleagues, addressing the challenges and opportunities of implementing effective antimicrobial practices in clinical settings.
Claire’s impact didn’t end with her return to Scotland. She has since shared her valuable experiences with colleagues at NHS Lanarkshire, ensuring the insights gained in Ghana are applied to benefit patients closer to home. Her presentations have inspired her peers, emphasizing the importance of global collaboration in addressing one of healthcare’s most urgent challenges.
Thanks to the efforts of Claire and her team, six hospitals in Ghana have now successfully implemented antimicrobial policies for treating community-acquired pneumonia and preventing post-operative infections. These hospitals are now part of a growing network committed to expanding good antimicrobial stewardship practices across the country.
Claire MacDonald’s dedication to improving global antibiotic use reflects her deep commitment to enhancing healthcare for all. For her outstanding contributions to the Ghana Partnership and her role in shaping a safer future for patients both locally and internationally, Claire has been rightfully shortlisted for this award.
