Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance: A call to action from the UNGA High-Level Meeting

The threat posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) looms large as a global public health crisis. As bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist drugs designed to treat infections, humanity finds itself at risk of losing the cornerstone of modern medicine.

This year, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance served as a stark reminder that the world can no longer afford to ignore this impending catastrophe. For Africa, where health systems are already fragile, the call to action is particularly urgent.

Sub-Saharan Africa is disproportionately affected by the huge burden of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS.

While antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals have been critical in managing these conditions, the misuse and overuse of antimicrobial drugs, combined with a lack of stringent regulatory oversight have accelerated resistance across the continent.

Poor access to diagnostics, a weak supply chain for quality medications, and gaps in infection prevention and control (IPC) further exacerbate this challenge.

This makes Africa a critical front in the global fight against AMR. As underscored by the UNGA -HLM- AMR meeting, we need urgent, coordinated action, not only at the international level but also at the national and regional levels, to safeguard the future of healthcare.

The importance of laboratories in responding to AMR cannot be overstated. Diagnostic labs are the frontline defenders in the battle against resistant pathogens.

Their role is pivotal for early detection, appropriate treatment, and effective surveillance of AMR trends. However, across Africa, laboratory systems remain underdeveloped, with many countries facing challenges related to inadequate infrastructure, undertrained personnel, and limited access to essential diagnostic tools.

The recent report by ASLM indicated that only 1.3% of laboratories in Africa have capacity to conduct AMR testing.

To combat AMR, laboratories in Africa must be strengthened. Investing in diagnostic infrastructure will empower clinicians to prescribe the right antibiotics based on reliable data, thus curbing the inappropriate use of antimicrobials. ]

Furthermore, laboratories must be equipped to participate in national and international AMR surveillance networks, ensuring that the spread of resistant strains is tracked in real-time.

In response to the UNGA -HLM-AMR declaration, the Africa Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) and other stakeholders across the continent must prioritize several key actions to address AMR including;

1. Expand and Modernize Laboratory Infrastructure
   This includes modernizing diagnostic tools, expanding molecular diagnostics for AMR, and improving access to rapid tests that identify drug-resistant pathogens in real time. ASLM is well placed to continue to lead in strengthening diagnostics in Africa.
2. Strengthen Workforce Development and Training
   Comprehensive training programs that focus on antimicrobial resistance detection, reporting, and the use of advanced diagnostics should be implemented at all levels of the healthcare system. ASLM is ready to avail its infrastructure, including the ASLM Academy to continue to build the AMR workforce.
3. Foster Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Measures
   Preventing infections in the first place is perhaps the most effective way to reduce the demand for antibiotics. Strengthening IPC measures in healthcare facilities, from improving hand hygiene to proper sterilization practices, will be key to reducing the spread of resistant bacteria.
4. Innovate Financing Models for Laboratory Strengthening
   Sustainable financing models must be explored to ensure long-term investment in laboratory systems. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) and innovative financing models that leverage global funding agencies, national budgets, and private sector investment can help ensure that laboratories across Africa have the necessary resources to sustain their operations. ASLM is ready to contribute to fund-raising towards the $6 billion target committed to during the 2024 UNGA meeting

While individual nations bear responsibility for strengthening their health systems, the challenge of AMR transcends borders, and collaboration is key among African nations. The African Union (AU-IBAR) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) play a leading role in developing regional strategies to combat AMR

Africa must continue to advocate for its needs at global forums such as the UNGA and push for technical and financial support. The Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, spearheaded by the WHO, FAO, and OIE, offers a framework that Africa can adapt to local realities while fostering collaboration between global and regional stakeholders.

The call to action from the UNGA High-Level Meeting on AMR offers a roadmap, but it requires increased investments, robust engagement from governments, healthcare institutions, laboratories, and civil society. Africa Society for Laboratory Medicine is committed to playing a leading role in this fight by strengthening laboratory systems in Africa.

Mr. Nqobile Ndlovu- is the CEO of Africa Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM)  [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>;

Dr. Watipaso Kasambara - Portfolio Lead ASLM [email protected] <mailto:[email protected];

Dr. Talkmore Maruta- Director of Programs ASLM [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]

 Dr. Laurence Gunde- AMR Epidemiologist and TB Adviser, ASLM [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>