In partnership with the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), the African Union has unveiled its highly anticipated Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Landmark Report – supported by UK Aid’s Fleming Fund. A comprehensive analysis addressing one of the continent’s most pressing health challenges, this report marks a critical milestone in the ongoing battle against AMR, providing key insights and actionable recommendations that will shape the future of public health in Africa.
The launch event, held at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 14-16 August, was officiated by Dr. Raji Tajudeen, Deputy Director General of the Africa CDC, and Prof. Dame Sally Davies, UK Special Envoy on Antimicrobial Resistance. The event brought together a distinguished assembly of public health officials, policymakers, researchers, and international partners. In his opening remarks, Dr. Tajudeen noted that drug-resistant infections are a growing global crisis, claiming an estimated 700,000 lives annually. Without urgent action, this figure could surge to 10 million deaths by 2050, with Africa potentially facing the greatest impact—accounting for 4.5 million deaths.
This report has been made possible through financial and technical support from a Fleming Fund Regional Grant awarded to ASLM, which aims to improve data collection to build a comprehensive picture of AMR status in Africa. The continued partnership between the UK and Africa also supports stakeholder engagement, facilitating collaborative approaches to tackle AMR across the continent.
According to Mr. Nqobile Ndlovu, CEO of ASLM, the report is a “reflection of combined efforts and commitment” by the people involved in looking at the increasing danger AMR presents. Mr. Ndlovu said, “The African Union AMR Landmark Report is more than just a document; it is a wake-up call for all of us. The insights presented here are not just pieces of information but rather result from rigorous research, collaboration, and commitment from stakeholders across Africa.” It will be an indispensable resource guiding policymaking processes, interventions, and shaping the future of antibiotic resistance management in Africa.
Prof. Dame Sally Davies, highlighted the need for the African voices to be raised at the high-level United Nations (UN) General Assembly meeting in September, to obtain fair and equitable access to antibiotics, strengthening of the UN and government accountability, and establishing the Global South Panel which could reside in Africa. Dame Sally Davies confirmed that through the Fleming Fund, the UK will continue to support its African partners’ vital efforts to tackle the global AMR emergency.
The report shows a detailed analysis of the current AMR situation in Africa with focus on the most affected areas and key driving forces behind it. The key findings include:
- Widespread Misuse of Antibiotics: The report underscores the urgent need to address the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in both human and animal health, which has accelerated the spread of resistant bacterial strains.
- Lack of Surveillance and Data: Many African countries lack robust systems for tracking and monitoring AMR, making it difficult to assess the full scale of the problem and respond effectively.
- Inadequate Access to Quality Medicines: In many parts of Africa, limited access to quality-assured medicines has led to the proliferation of substandard and counterfeit drugs, further exacerbating the problem of resistance.
The report therefore recommends a coordinated whole continent approach to AMR, the importance of strengthening regulatory frameworks, the need for upgrading surveillance systems, and larger investment in healthcare infrastructure.
As a new chapter is about to begin in Africa’s fight against AMR, this report reflects on progress made and sets the agenda for future action. Mr. Patrick Mubangizi, Africa Director of the Fleming Fund, who spoke at the event, emphasized that it is important for all stakeholders to consider this report as a basis for continuous innovation and partnership, since there is need for “unbending resolve” in the journey ahead. He also reiterated the Fleming Fund’s commitment to fighting AMR within Africa and its contribution towards better understanding of AMR dynamics in Africa, which would enable more targeted interventions and policies to counteract resistance and preserve efficacy of antibiotics.
The African Union AMR Landmark Report therefore reflects a significant advance in the continent’s efforts aimed at combating drug resistance. The hope is that Africa will lead the global fight against AMR from here on; ensuring protection of forthcoming generations from the epidemic’s devastating effects by executing recommendations highlighted in this report.
About the Fleming Fund
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)’s Fleming Fund is a UK Aid program supporting up to 25 countries across Africa and Asia to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a leading contributor to deaths from infectious diseases worldwide. The Fleming Fund invests in strengthening AMR surveillance systems through a portfolio of country grants, regional grants, and fellowships managed by Mott MacDonald, and global projects managed by DHSC.
FlemingFund.org / @FlemingFund