Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is becoming a serious threat in Africa. Without urgent action, it could cause 4.1 million deaths every year by 2050, disrupting healthcare and the economy.

The World Health Organization (WHO) in the African Region has created a Regional Strategy for AMR 2023–2030, helping all 47 member countries develop National Action Plans. So far, 38 of these plans have been approved by national governments.

Challenges like limited funding, not enough skilled workers, and weak systems to monitor AMR make the fight difficult. The regional strategy focuses on:

• Supporting teamwork between different sectors.

• Improving diagnosis.

• Creating strong programs to ensure antimicrobials are used wisely.

• Raising awareness about responsible antimicrobial use.

  
  

Currently, 43 African countries are part of WHO’s Global AMR Surveillance System (GLASS). WHO is helping countries improve lab capacities, monitor antimicrobial use, and make decisions based on data.

WHO has also introduced an Antimicrobial Stewardship Training Package in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Nigeria, and Zambia. This program trains health workers to use antimicrobials responsibly, slowing the spread of resistance.

This year’s World AMR Awareness Week is themed “Educate. Advocate. Act Now”, encouraging global awareness and promoting best practices to fight AMR.

“AMR is not only a medical challenge but a broad issue that affects all of society. Africa cannot afford to ignore this threat, but through collaboration, we can reduce its impact and protect public health,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

WHO and its partners are also working to increase awareness among health workers, leaders, and the public. For example, youth programs in Nigeria have trained hundreds of young people to educate communities about the importance of using antimicrobials responsibly.

AMR happens when bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens adapt, making treatments less effective. This makes diseases harder to treat. In 2019 alone, AMR was linked to 1.27 million deaths in sub-Saharan Africa.

Overusing and misusing antimicrobials in healthcare, farming, and even waste management also contribute to the problem. Recognizing how human, animal, and environmental health are connected, WHO promotes a One Health approach, which is active in 41 African countries.

To strengthen health systems and balance the need for essential medicines with antimicrobial stewardship, more funding is essential. WHO, in partnership with organizations like Africa Centres for Disease Control, is working to increase political support and funding to ensure AMR efforts reach even the most remote populations.

What Are Antimicrobials? Antimicrobials meaning

An antimicrobial is a substance that kills or stops the growth of microorganisms, which include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These agents are essential in treating infections and preventing the spread of diseases. They can be classified based on the type of microorganism they target:

• Antibiotics: Target bacteria.

• Antivirals: Target viruses.

• Antifungals: Target fungi.

• Antiparasitics: Target parasites.

  
  

Antimicrobials work by either killing the microorganisms directly or inhibiting their growth and reproduction. For example, antibiotics can prevent bacteria from building their cell walls, leading to their death

It's important to use antimicrobials appropriately to prevent the development of antimicrobial resistance, where microorganisms evolve to withstand these treatments, making infections harder to treat.