Improving communications for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Africa: How should we move forward?
This document summarizes the online discussion Improving communications for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Africa: How should we move forward? held on the FAO Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum) from 2 to 30 June 2020. The discussion was facilitated by Scott Newman of FAO’s Regional Office for Africa in Accra, Ghana.
The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through the misuse of antimicrobial drugs is complicating the management of many infectious diseases, thus endangering animal health and welfare as well as food production. The complexity of the AMR crisis and antimicrobial pollution requires a coordinated and integrated approach that brings together the sectors of public and animal health, agricultural production and environmental management.
This online discussion invited participants to exchange ideas and discuss how to improve the communication about AMR and involve the necessary stakeholders, thus ensuring that this important issue becomes a top priority in national and regional development agendas. The outcomes of this discussion have helped inform the Africa AMR Communications and Advocacy Strategy that is currently under development by the Regional Tripartite (FAO, OIE, WHO) and the African Union (Africa CDC and AU-IBAR).