
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of microorganisms to resist antimicrobial treatments, especially antibiotics.
Inappropriate antimicrobial use (AMU) is a key factor that leads to the development of AMR. This includes overuse and misuse of antimicrobial agents in humans, animals and plants. As a result, a multisectoral One Health approach is necessary to combat AMR.
Following the adoption of the World Health Organisation (WHO) AMR Global Action Plan (GAP) in 2015, the Tripartite (FAO, OIE and WHO) collaborated in developing a manual to support countries in developing their National Action Plans (NAPs) that are aligned with the GAP.
In November 2016, the OIE Strategy on AMR and the prudent use of antimicrobials was developed and is also aligned with the GAP. The strategy recognizes the importance of a “One Health” approach in addressing AMR.
Implementation of AMR NAPs in Africa is currently mostly supported by the Fleming Fund (FF). Active engagement of the animal health sector is crucial in achieving the one health approach to the fight against AMR.
To this effect, the extra-ordinary OIE Regional Commission for Africa meeting on AMR held during the 2nd OIE Global Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance and Prudent Use of Antimicrobial Agents in Animals “Putting Standards into Practice” (Marrakesh, Morocco, October 2018) identified communication, laboratory training on disease diagnosis and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, as well as training on risk assessment for AMR, antibiotic stewardship, AMR/AMU data collection and analysis and epidemiology as top priorities.
OIE International Standards are available (Terrestrial Code and Terrestrial Manual) to guide member countries on AMR surveillance in animals, Monitoring AMU in food-producing animals, Responsible and prudent use of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine, and Risk analysis for AMR in animals.
The Aquatic Animal Health Code gives guidance controlling antimicrobial resistance Controlling resistance, Responsible and prudent use of antimicrobials in aquatic animals, Monitoring quantities and use of antimicrobials in aquatic animals, AMR surveillance in aquatic animals and Risk analysis for AMR in aquatic animals
Chapter 6.7.
Introduction to the recommendations for controlling antimicrobial resistance
Chapter 6.8
Harmonisation of national antimicrobial resistance surveillance and monitoring programmes
Chapter 6.9.
Monitoring of the quantities and usage patterns of antimicrobial agents used in food-producing animals
Chapter 6.10
Responsible and prudent use of antimicrobial agents in veterinary medicine
Chapter 6.11.
Risk analysis for antimicrobial resistance arising from the use of antimicrobial agents in animals
Chapter 2.1.1.
Laboratory methodologies for bacterial antimicrobial susceptibility testing
Chapter 6.1.
Introduction to the recommendations for controlling antimicrobial resistance
Chapter 6.2.
Principles for responsible and prudent use of antimicrobial agents in aquatic animals
Chapter 6.3.
Monitoring of the quantities and usage patterns of antimicrobial agents used in aquatic animals
Chapter 6.4.
Development and harmonisation of national antimicrobial resistance surveillance and monitoring programmes for aquatic animals
Chapter 6.5.
Risk analysis for antimicrobial resistance arising from the use of antimicrobial agents in aquatic animals
Karim Tounkara
k.tounkara@oie.int
(Bamako)
(Vacant)
(Accra)
Walter Fuller
fullerw@who.int
(Brazzaville)
Irene Ouba
IreneLabia.Ouoba@fao.org
(Accra)
(Vacant)
(Gaborone)
Mark Obonyo
mark.obonyo@fao.org
(Zimbabwe)
Laetitia Gahimbare
gahimbarel@who.int
(Brazzaville)
Jane Lwoyero
j.lwoyero@oie.int
(Nairobi)
Tabitha Kimani
tabitha.kimani@fao.org
(Nairobi)
WHO
Regina Mbindyo
mbindyor@who.int
(Nairobi)