Africa faces an escalating health crisis as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens to cause an estimated 4.1 million deaths annually by 2050 unless urgent action is taken, warns the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite significant strides in combating the issue, experts emphasize that faster and coordinated responses are essential to prevent further damage to public health and economic stability.
The WHO’s Regional Strategy for AMR 2023–2030 has been pivotal in guiding African nations, with all 47 member states being supported in developing National Action Plans. To date, 38 countries have formally endorsed these plans, which aim to curb the spread of AMR.
However, Africa’s fight against AMR is hindered by numerous obstacles, including limited funding, an undertrained healthcare workforce, and insufficient AMR surveillance systems. In response, the WHO is advocating for a multisectoral approach, focusing on strengthening governance, improving diagnostics, expanding stewardship programs, and boosting public awareness to promote the responsible use of antimicrobials.
As part of the ongoing efforts, 43 African nations are now participants in the WHO’s Global AMR Surveillance System (GLASS). Though progress has been made, challenges remain in data collection and representativeness. The WHO is working closely with these nations to enhance laboratory capacities, improve antimicrobial usage monitoring, and promote data-driven decision-making.
In addition, the WHO has rolled out its Antimicrobial Stewardship Training Package in four countries—Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Nigeria, and Zambia—equipping healthcare workers with the skills necessary to slow the development of AMR through responsible antimicrobial use.
This year’s World AMR Awareness Week, under the theme “Educate. Advocate. Act Now,” calls for immediate, coordinated action against AMR. The global campaign aims to raise awareness of AMR’s potential to undermine public health, emphasizing the need for a collective, multi-faceted response.
“AMR is not just a medical challenge, but a broad societal issue. Africa’s health systems and economies cannot afford the cost of inaction,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “But with collaboration, we can mitigate the impact of AMR and protect public health across the continent.”
To further amplify efforts, the WHO, in collaboration with partners, is increasing awareness among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public. Programs like the youth ambassador initiative in Nigeria have trained hundreds of young advocates, empowering them to educate their communities on the dangers of antimicrobial misuse.
AMR occurs when pathogens evolve to resist drugs, rendering infections more difficult to treat. In 2019, AMR was linked to over 1.27 million deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. The misuse of antibiotics in both human medicine and agriculture, along with improper waste disposal, contributes to this growing threat. Recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, the WHO advocates for a One Health approach, which is being actively implemented in 41 African countries.
For African nations to build resilient health systems, sustained financial commitment is crucial. The WHO, together with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and other key organizations, is calling for increased political advocacy and funding to support AMR response efforts, particularly for hard-to-reach populations.
