Antimicrobial resistance strategy for Africa unveiled

The African CDC and the Africa Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) have unveiled a robust strategy that will enhance the surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) which is a critical problem on the continent.

The masterplan dubbed African Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Blueprint was launched in Nairobi this morning. It ropes in 14 countries including Kenya.

The great idea is to ensure that there is a rigorous data collection, data processing, information and knowledge sharing that will eventually inform policy and behaviors that will tame the runaway antimicrobial resistance which has become a big headache in society.

ASLM CEO Nqobile Ndlovu underscored the centrality of a robust laboratory infrastructure across the continent in the battle against AMR.

The Flemming Fund, through a previous grant, supported an initiative that uncovered significant gaps in AMR testing, access to bacteriology services, and surveillance systems in14 African countries.

Ndlovu noted that more effort towards enhancing the laboratory infrastructure in Africa will be a game changer going forward.

“We will work with member states to strengthen their surveillance systems, making sure they collect the right data to understand the problem… we are also going to be providing training and standardisation of data,” Ndlovu explained.

Yewande Alimi from the Africa CDC noted that the Africa AMR case will be prosecuted at this year’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to cast light on the reality of the matter on the ground.

“Previously, Africa had no data in relation to AMR. Now we have something to talk about. It might not be robust data but it is key data. We want global attention towards the AMR in Africa. We also want policies towards surveillance and investment in data,” she said.