On September 25, 2024, the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) will join the African Union, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and partners for a high-level meeting to discuss Africa’s role in combatting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) around the world, following the launch of Continental Landmark Report on AMR in Africa.
In August, 2024, the Africa CDC, the African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Research (AU-IBAR) and ASLM, alongside AU Member States, created an action roadmap for combatting antimicrobial resistance in Africa, dubbed the Continental Landmark Report on AMR. The report aims to align global efforts to combat AMR with African needs and ultimately help direct our collective response to this health security threat.
Speaking at the meeting, ASLM CEO, Mr. Nqobile Ndlovu reiterated the need for more investment in diagnostics. He noted that, “laboratory directors must be part of decision making in order to strengthen laboratory systems.”
During the African Union’s side meeting at the United Nations General Assembly, the Landmark AMR report will be unveiled for policy-makers around the world to review the findings within, raise awareness of Africa’s unique position in the global AMR conversation, and the importance of Africa’s voice and participation in shaping global policies and initiatives around AMR. The report’s findings reveal that Africa has the highest AMR burden in the world, and that aligning global efforts with African needs would enable the continent to effectively enhance its capacity to combat AMR and contribute significantly to the global response, particularly through evidence-based data. Members of ministries of health, and senior officials will articulate the specific investments required to advance Africa’s fight against AMR and focus on resource allocation, capacity building, research, surveillance systems, infrastructure development, and public awareness campaigns necessary to achieve these objectives.
Read the Landmark AMR report to learn more about how solving the AMR crisis in Africa can support health security around the world: bit.ly/477MAcs