The document presents a continental strategy developed by the African Union (AU) to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It opens by framing AMR as a multisectoral crisis affecting human, animal, plant, and environmental health, with documented resistance already undermining treatments for HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, typhoid, and other infections across Africa. The AU established a Task Force on AMR in 2018 to coordinate efforts among its health, agriculture, and veterinary agencies, aligning with UN and Tripartite (WHO/OIE/FAO) guidance. The framework is organized around four main goals: improving surveillance of antimicrobial use and AMR microorganisms; delaying emergence of resistance; limiting transmission; and mitigating harm from resistant infections. These are supported by cross-cutting approaches: advocacy for policies and governance, civil society engagement, human resource development, public awareness, and research. Each goal includes specific, actionable steps. Surveillance efforts focus on expanding diagnostic testing, laboratory accreditation, and data sharing. Delaying emergence involves promoting prudent prescribing for physicians and veterinarians, curbing substandard drugs, and improving agricultural practices. Limiting transmission emphasizes infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities, biosecurity on farms, and water/sanitation interventions. Mitigating harm includes access to quality diagnostics, adherence to treatment guidelines, and maintaining essential antimicrobial supplies. Implementation relies on legal frameworks, civil society mobilization, workforce training, and academic research. Monitoring and evaluation will be challenging due to limited baselines, but the framework sets high-level targets such as reduced mortality from AMR infections, lowered resistance in priority pathogens, and decreased antibiotic residues in food. The framework’s emphasises the integration across sectors, balancing access against excess (avoiding overuse while ensuring life-saving treatment), and the need to adapt global strategies to Africa’s specific resource and infrastructure constraints. It also notes the centrality of political commitment and donor engagement to translate the plan into measurable public health gains.
2020-01-01