Two Nigerian innovations named finalists in global antibiotic resistance challenge

Two Nigerian innovations — Com-WATCH and RxBot — have been selected among eight global finalists for the 2024 Trinity Challenge, an international competition focused on data-driven solutions to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and improve access to effective antibiotics.

Announced on Tuesday, the Trinity Challenge is supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and other partners. It highlights innovations that address the growing global crisis of substandard antibiotics and poor medicine stock management, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

The finalists, selected from 171 entries across 51 countries, will compete for a €1 million prize, to be split between two winners. The final announcement is scheduled for 20 August.

Spotlight on Nigeria’s innovations

Nigeria’s Com-WATCH and RxBot were recognised for their innovative use of data and technology:

• Com-WATCH uses community data to track antibiotic stock levels and identify counterfeit drugs.

• RxBot is a multilingual, WhatsApp-based platform that monitors the use of substandard and falsified antibiotics among vulnerable populations.

Both projects aim to address challenges that directly impact healthcare access and patient safety, especially in underserved communities.

Also representing Africa in the finals are teams from Cameroon, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The selected projects range from AI-powered pharmacy platforms to paper-based field testing tools integrated with mobile applications.

The global fight against AMR

Dame Sally Davies, UK Special Envoy on Antimicrobial Resistance and Chair of the Trinity Challenge, described the initiative as timely and essential.

“We are in the middle of an antibiotic emergency. Lack of access to effective antibiotics, coupled with the proliferation of falsified drugs, is accelerating resistance in communities that can least afford it,” she said.

“These finalists demonstrate that innovation can help turn the tide.”

Antimicrobial resistance currently causes millions of deaths each year and is projected to claim up to 39 million lives over the next 25 years if left unchecked. LMICs like Nigeria are among the hardest hit, with nearly three million deaths annually from otherwise treatable bacterial infections.

In Nigeria, concerns persist about the availability and quality of antibiotics, particularly in rural areas where healthcare infrastructure is limited. Experts have long warned that substandard or counterfeit medicines not only fail to treat infections but also fuel drug resistance, making future treatments less effective.

AMR researcher Chika Eze, based in Abuja, praised the Nigerian innovations:

“Tools like RxBot are crucial in our fight against fake drugs. When communities have real-time access to quality surveillance, they’re better equipped to demand and receive effective treatment.”

A legacy of COVID-19 lessons

The Trinity Challenge was launched in response to global gaps in health surveillance exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s edition focuses on creating sustainable, tech-driven solutions to AMR, with a special emphasis on empowering LMICs.

The virtual award ceremony on 20 August will feature presentations from all eight finalists. The two winning teams will receive funding to scale their solutions — potentially improving health outcomes for millions across Africa and Asia.

As attention shifts toward innovation, data, and community engagement in global health, Nigeria’s showing in the Trinity Challenge underscores its growing role in addressing complex health challenges with homegrown, scalable solutions.