Implementation of TARGET training programme: cascading Antimicrobial Stewardship training to primary care providers in England

Description of impact

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens global health, with projected deaths
reaching 39 million by 2050. In England, 87% of antibiotics are prescribed in primary care—many unnecessarily. To combat this, UKHSA's TARGET toolkit supports clinicians through antimicrobial stewardship training. Delivered via a regional cascading model in partnership with NHS England and others, the programme engaged over 2,500 clinicians across five regions. Evaluation showed strong uptake, increased confidence in AMR discussions, and a 1.2% drop in antibiotic prescribing—saving £317,375/month. Scalable, cost-effective, and delivered on time, the model offers a blueprint for national and international stewardship interventions.

Impact date	21 Jul 2025
Category of impact	Health impacts