Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance in the WHO African Region: Progress, Challenges, and Strategic Priorities for the Future.

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial Resistance is a critical health challenge in the African Region. This papefactors and review of evidence generated through WHO-supported monitoring and surveillance tools to describe progress in AMR governance architecture and monitoring uptake in addressing antimicrobial resistance in the WHO African region over the past decade, highlight key enabling factors, and propose actions required to address persisting challenges. We reviewed country reports on the implementation of antimicrobial resistance national action plans using the most recent 2024 Tracking Antimicrobial Resistance Country Self-Assessment Survey with multi-sectoral and human health specific indicators, alongside data from the Global AMR/Use Surveillance System databases.

Main text: The number of countries with National Action Plans on antimicrobial resistance under the One Health approach increased from 2 (4.3%) in 2015 to 47 (100%) in 2024. Between 2017 and 2024, the number of countries with national guidelines for appropriate antimicrobial use and antimicrobial stewardship programmes increased from 10 (21.3%) to 20 (42.6%). Multisectoral coordination mechanisms rose from 13 (27.7%) in 2015 to 41 (87.2%) in 2024. During the same period, countries conducting nationwide AMR awareness campaigns grew from 2 (4.3%) to 16 (34%), and participation in Global AMR/Use Surveillance System expanded from 7 (14.9%) to 41 (87.2%). Success factors driving this progress include country endorsement and adaptation of global and regional antimicrobial resistance strategies, stronger collaboration among stakeholders including United Nations agencies, civil society, and partners, and use of platforms like Tracking Antimicrobial Resistance Country Self-Assessment Survey and Global AMR/Use Surveillance System to generate data for decision-making.

Conclusion: Moving forward, collective efforts from all stakeholders are essential to consolidate progress and contribute to global health security, achieve Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, future AMR research agenda should focus on measuring the impact of AMR interventions and developing new AMR prevention and control strategies.