From 18-24 November, 2021, AU-IBAR will join several stakeholders and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) campaign partners in creating awareness on antimicrobial resistance. This one-week event is held every year on these dates under the overarching slogan of 'Antimicrobials: Handle with Care'. The theme for this year is Spread Awareness, Stop Resistance’.
The campaign will focus on challenges unique to Africa, and will be managed by the Tripartite Partners (the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), and the World Health Organization (WHO)) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) , the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).
A ran-up to the event was a WAAW Virtual Science Café on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Advocacy for Civil Society Organizations and Media Personnel held on 10-12 November, 2021. The virtual meeting created awareness on AMR, One Health and NAPs. The event was jointly organized by the African Union, represented by Mr. John Oppong-Otoo, Africa Union Task Force on AMR; Dr. Chadia Wannous, OIE; Otridah Kapona, WHO; Tabitha Kimani, FAO; and Dr. Mirfin Mpundu, ReAct Africa.
During the AMR campaign week (18-24 November, 2021), AU-IBAR together with campaign partners will facilitate several events, among which include:
-A series of roundtable discussions on major issues:
- Friday 19 November: regulations and legislation needed for responsible AMR risk management
- Monday 22 November: implementing and financing AMR national action plans
- Tuesday 23 November lessons learned from COVID-19: The Role of Civil Society Organisations and Professional bodies in combatting AMR
- Wednesday 24 November: adopting a One Health approach and multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms for AMR
A twitter chat on Saturday 20 November on combatting AMR in the Africa context.
Get involved by following the hashtag #WAAWAfrica2021
Key facts
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health and development threat. It requires urgent multi-sectoral action in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- WHO has declared that AMR is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity.
- Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials are the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant pathogens.
- Lack of clean water and sanitation and inadequate infection prevention and control promotes the spread of microbes, some of which can be resistant to antimicrobial treatment.
- The cost of AMR to the economy is significant. In addition to death and disability, prolonged illness results in longer hospital stays, the need for more expensive medicines and financial challenges for those impacted.
- Without effective antimicrobials, the success of modern medicine in treating infections, including during major surgery and cancer chemotherapy, would be at increased risk.
See more facts: Antimicrobial resistance (who.int)
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