AMR Disproportionately Affecting Africa
โThe continent faces the highest mortality rate from antimicrobial resistance, with 27.3 deaths per 100,000โexceeding the combined death toll from HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria,โ according to a new report by the Africaย Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
The likelihood of falling ill or dying from diseases that resist treatment has escalated in Africa, with children and other vulnerable groups being most at risk, the African Union Landmark Report launched on Thursday at the Africa CDC headquarters showed.
The report revealed that Africa bears a significant burden of infectious diseases, accounting for approximately 95 per cent of malaria deaths, 70 per cent of people living with HIV,ย and 25 per cent of TB deaths globally.
โWe must not ignore this silent threat that disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable among us,โ said Africa CDC Deputy Director-General, Dr Raji Tajudeen.
AMR occurs when microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites develop resistance to antimicrobial drugs, a process hastened by human behaviours such as the misuse and overuse of these drugs in healthcare, agriculture, and food systems.
This renders antibiotics and other antimicrobials less effective, causing treatment failures, increased disease spread, severe illness, disability, and higher mortality rates.
โDespite the estimated $2.6bn needed annually for an effective AMR response across Africa, current funding is only a tenth of that allocated to other major diseases. This underfunding makes AMR a significant barrier to sustainable development, hindering progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, and the African Unionโsย Agenda 2063.
โAn estimated 700,000 people die annually from drug-resistant infections globally. Without timely intervention, this number is projected to reach 10 million by 2050, with Africa accounting for 4.5 million,โ a statement by the Africa CDC noted.
โFighting disease requires resources and working with member states, and our partners we need to do all we can to save lives,โ said Drย Tajudeen, speaking at the launch of a report on AMR in Africa. The event also initiated discussions on a roadmap and targets to advance Africaโs battle against AMR. The outcomes are expected to inform the upcomingย United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting in Septemberโa crucial platform for global action on this escalating crisis.
The director of the African Union-Inter Africanย Bureau for Animal Resources, Dr Huyam Salih emphasised the critical role that the AU must play in combating AMR. โAntimicrobial resistance is not just a health issueโit is a threat to our agrifood systems, food safety, food security, livelihoods, and economies,โ she said.
By 2050, global healthcare costs could exceed $1tn per year, and livestock production could decline by 2.6 per cent to 7.5 per cent annually due toย AMR, according to Salih.
โIn Africa, the situation is particularly alarming, with 37 countries reporting the prevalence of AMR in animal farms, yet only 16 per cent of African countries are conducting routine AMR surveillance in animals as of 2023,โ she said.
Salih also called for urgent action to strengthen leadership, expand surveillance and data systems, promote the responsible use of antimicrobials, improve public and animal health systems, and secure sustainable financing to combat AMR effectively.
โOur health, our food,ย and our future depend on the actions we take now,โ she stressed.
Dr Tajudeen said addressing AMR in Africa requires engaging all levels of society in a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach. โUnless we work together, overcoming antimicrobial resistance will be a difficult and long-drawn process that will cost lives,โ he said.
Currently, millions in Africa lack access to essential antibiotics, with a study by Africa CDC and the African Society for Laboratory Medicine revealing that only 1.3 per cent of microbiology labs in 14 member states can test for key AMR pathogens.
Strengthening Laboratory Medicine In Africa Is Key
The head of the African Society for Laboratory Medicine, Mr. Nqobile Ndlovu, reaffirmed the organizationโs commitment to strengthening African laboratory capacities to combat antimicrobial resistance. โOur goal is to ensure the continued efficacy of treatments and promote data-driven solutions to safeguard public health across the continent,โ he said.
Tajudeen underscored the importance of prioritizing infection prevention, strengthening health and food systems, developing human resources, ensuring sustainable access to diagnostics and therapeutics, and investing in laboratory infrastructure for effective surveillance and data generation.
The report recommends an increase in the availability of high-quality diagnostics, vaccines, and antimicrobials for high-priority pathogens in high-risk African countries.