Antimicrobial Resistance Is A Threat To Africa's Welfare

Young African scientist working in the laboratory/ iStock. Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem, and it affects all countries, regar...

Young African scientist working in the laboratory/ iStock.

Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem, and it affects all countries, regardless of their economic status or level of development. However, some countries are more vulnerable to the effects of AMR due to factors such as poor sanitation and hygiene, limited access to quality healthcare, and overuse and misuse of antibiotics. 

''AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and become resistant to antimicrobial drugs. This means that the drugs that were once effective in treating infections become less effective, and in some cases, completely ineffective.''

In Africa, countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are particularly affected by AMR. These countries have a high burden of infectious diseases, limited access to quality healthcare, and poor sanitation and hygiene, which contribute to the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest threats to public health in Africa. It is a problem that threatens to reverse the gains made in the fight against infectious diseases and poses a significant challenge to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). AMR is a growing concern in Africa due to the lack of access to quality healthcare, poor sanitation and hygiene, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, and the limited availability of effective drugs.

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and become resistant to antimicrobial drugs. This means that the drugs that were once effective in treating infections become less effective, and in some cases, completely ineffective. This makes it more difficult and expensive to treat infections, leading to longer hospital stays, higher mortality rates, and increased healthcare costs.

Scientist looking through the microscope stock photo / iStock.

Africa is particularly vulnerable to the effects of AMR due to the high burden of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases. These diseases are major causes of morbidity and mortality in the continent and are often treated with antibiotics. The emergence of AMR in Africa has led to the failure of many treatment regimens, leaving patients with limited options for effective treatment.

Another factor contributing to the problem of AMR in Africa is the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Antibiotics are often prescribed and used inappropriately in Africa, leading to the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria. Antibiotics are frequently prescribed for viral infections, which do not respond to antibiotics, leading to the development of resistance. In addition, antibiotics are sometimes used as growth promoters in livestock, leading to the development of resistance in animal and human populations.

AMR also has economic implications for Africa. It reduces productivity, increases healthcare costs, and slows economic growth. The cost of treating resistant infections is much higher than that of treating non-resistant infections. This leads to increased healthcare costs, which may be beyond the reach of many Africans. The impact of AMR on productivity is significant, with the loss of productive days due to illness and the need for longer hospital stays.

To address the problem of AMR in Africa, there is a need for a multi-sectoral approach that involves all stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare workers, patients, and the public. This approach should include:

1. Improved access to quality healthcare: This will help reduce the burden of infectious diseases and the need for antibiotics.
2. Improved sanitation and hygiene: This will help reduce the spread of infections and the need for antibiotics.
3. Rational use of antibiotics: This will involve prescribing antibiotics only when necessary and using them according to guidelines.
4. Surveillance and monitoring: This will help identify resistant strains of bacteria and guide treatment.
5. Development of new antibiotics: There is a need for the development of new antibiotics to combat resistant strains of bacteria.
6. Public education and awareness: This will help raise awareness of the problem of AMR and the need for responsible use of antibiotics.

In conclusion, AMR is a significant threat to public health in Africa. The emergence of resistant strains of bacteria poses a significant challenge to the attainment of the SDGs and threatens to reverse the gains made in the fight against infectious diseases. There is a need for a multi-sectoral approach to address the problem of AMR in Africa, which involves all stakeholders. 

Improving access to quality healthcare, sanitation, and hygiene, rational use of antibiotics, surveillance and monitoring, the development of new antibiotics, and public education and awareness are critical in the fight against AMR in Africa. Here are some references to articles and reports related to antimicrobial resistance in Africa:

1. World Health Organization (WHO). Antimicrobial resistance in the African Region: Issues, challenges and actions proposed. https://www.afro.who.int/sites/default/files/2017-06/AMR%20policy%20brief_EN.pdf
2. O'Neill, J. Tackling drug-resistant infections globally: final report and recommendations. The review on antimicrobial resistance. 2016. https://amr-review.org/sites/default/files/160518_Final%20paper_with%20cover.pdf
3. Ayukekbong, J. A. et al. Antimicrobial resistance in Africa: a systematic review. BMC Infectious Diseases. 2017. https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-017-2769-7
4. African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR). Antimicrobial Resistance in Africa: Situation Analysis and Status of Implementation of the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance in Africa. 2018. https://www.au-ibar.org/antimicrobial-resistance-in-africa-situation-analysis-and-status-of-implementation-of-the-global-action-plan-on-antimicrobial-resistance-in-africa/
5. African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM). Antimicrobial resistance in Africa: a threat to public health. 2019. https://aslm.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/AMR-Policy-Brief-Final-11Nov19.pdf
6. Gandra, S. et al. The state of antimicrobial resistance in Africa. Lancet Infectious Diseases. 2017. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(17)30310-9/fulltext