In a bid to combat the growing crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and improve access to effective antibiotics, The Trinity Challenge has launched a £1 million global innovation prize.
Announced during a high-level workshop on Thursday in Abuja, Nigeria, the competition aims to support data-driven solutions addressing stock control issues and the prevalence of substandard or falsified antibiotics in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The workshop, organised in partnership with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and Jhpiego, brought together healthcare leaders, researchers, technology specialists and AMR advocates to explore solutions for antibiotic shortages and the infiltration of poor-quality medicines into the healthcare system.
Chief operating officer of The Trinity Challenge, Ms. Louise Gough emphasised the need for multidisciplinary collaboration to tackle AMR.
“One of the key drivers of the antibiotics crisis is the lack of access to effective medicines, particularly in LMICs. Today’s workshop demonstrates the power of collaboration in addressing these barriers,” she said.
She explained that the competition invites researchers, healthcare innovators, and technology experts worldwide to develop data-driven solutions that can enhance antibiotic stock control and curb the spread of falsified medicines. Applications remain open until April 24, 2025.
Gough warned that AMR is an escalating global health threat, worsened by poor regulation of antibiotic distribution and the circulation of substandard drugs. She noted that an estimated 10 per cent of human antibiotic consumption in LMICs involves substandard or falsified medications, making infections harder to treat and accelerating resistance to essential drugs.
Director-general of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris underscored the urgency of the situation, warning that antibiotics could become ineffective if action is not taken immediately.
“We may be walking with our eyes wide open into a future where antibiotics no longer work. AMR is not a problem for tomorrow; it is a crisis we are facing now,” he said.
“Stockouts, unregulated sales, and low awareness are turning treatable infections into life-threatening conditions. We must regulate distribution, expand access and educate communities on responsible use,” he added.
Project director at Jhpiego, Dr. Yemisi Ogundare stressed the importance of immediate action, stating that ensuring access to effective antibiotics is crucial to global health, particularly in LMICs.
“Today’s workshop is a significant step in harnessing innovation, collaboration, and technology to create sustainable solutions that improve access to high-quality antibiotics,” she said.
Encouraging participation, Ogundare noted that The Trinity Challenge is inviting applicants from various sectors—including health, technology, and academia – to submit proposals.
“The winning solutions will receive funding and mentorship to refine and implement their ideas,” she said.
She directed interested applicants to visit https://solve.mit.edu/challenges/trinity-challenge-community-access-antibiotics for more details on the competition and application process.
The prize fund aims to incentivize groundbreaking solutions that can be scaled across multiple countries facing similar challenges. Data-driven approaches have the potential to improve supply chain management, detect falsified antibiotics more efficiently, and ensure access to high-quality, life-saving medicines, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children under five.
According to The Trinity Challenge, previous competitions have successfully funded global health initiatives, including projects focused on pandemic preparedness and AMR.
As the global fight against AMR intensifies, initiatives like this innovation prize offer a beacon of hope in ensuring that life-saving antibiotics remain accessible and effective for future generations.
