Africa Grapples with Escalating Antimicrobial Resistance Crisis
A new report by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has sounded the alarm on the escalating crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Africa. The continent faces the highest mortality rate from AMR, with 27.3 deaths per 100,000, exceeding the combined death toll from HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
The report reveals 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, and 25 per cent of TB deaths globally. Children and other vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected, making AMR a silent threat that must not be ignored.
AMR occurs when microorganisms develop resistance to antimicrobial drugs, a process hastened by human behaviors 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.
The Africa CDC report highlights the need for urgent action to combat AMR, citing an estimated $2.6 billion needed annually for an effective response across Africa. Current funding is only a tenth of that allocated to other major diseases, making AMR a significant barrier to sustainable development.
Dr. Raji Tajudeen, Africa CDC Deputy Director-General, emphasized the importance of engaging all levels of society in a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach to address AMR. “Unless we work together, overcoming antimicrobial resistance will be a difficult and long-drawn process that will cost lives,” he said.
The report also recommends increasing the availability of high-quality diagnostics, vaccines, and antimicrobials for high-priority pathogens in high-risk African countries. Additionally, strengthening leadership, expanding surveillance and data systems, promoting responsible antimicrobial use, and securing sustainable financing are crucial to combatting AMR effectively.
As the world grapples with this escalating crisis, the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting in September will be a crucial platform for global action on AMR. The outcomes of this meeting will inform the global response to this pressing issue, which threatens not only human health but also food security, economies, and livelihoods.
In the face of this crisis, it is imperative that we work together to save lives and ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
