23/08/2024
RISING DEATHS FROM DRUG RESISTANCE POSE GRAVE THREAT TO AFRICA, CDC CAUTIONS
The risk of illness and death from diseases that resist treatment is increasing in Africa, particularly among children and other vulnerable populations, as highlighted by a recent report from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The report, launched at the Africa CDC headquarters, reveals that the continent now experiences the highest mortality rate from antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with 27.3 deaths per 100,000 people—surpassing the combined death toll from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Africa bears a heavy burden of infectious diseases, accounting for around 95% of global malaria deaths, 70% of people living with HIV, and 25% of tuberculosis deaths worldwide. “We must not overlook this silent threat, which disproportionately affects the most vulnerable,” said Dr. Raji Tajudeen, Deputy Director-General of Africa CDC.
AMR occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites become resistant to antimicrobial drugs, often due to the misuse and overuse of these drugs in healthcare, agriculture, and food systems. This resistance renders antibiotics and other treatments less effective, leading to treatment failures, increased disease transmission, severe illness, disability, and higher mortality rates.
The financial challenge of tackling AMR is stark. An estimated $2.6 billion is required annually for an effective AMR response in Africa, but current funding levels are only a fraction of that amount. This underfunding positions AMR as a significant obstacle to sustainable development, threatening progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Globally, drug-resistant infections claim approximately 700,000 lives each year. Without timely intervention, this figure could rise to 10 million by 2050, with Africa projected to account for 4.5 million of these deaths. “Fighting disease requires resources and collaboration with member states and partners; we must do all we can to save lives,” Dr. Tajudeen emphasized at the launch. The event also initiated discussions on a roadmap to combat AMR in Africa, with outcomes expected to influence the upcoming United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting in September—a critical moment for global action on this escalating crisis.
Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of the African Union-Inter African Bureau for Animal Resources, highlighted the broader implications of AMR, stressing that it is not only a health issue but also a threat to agrifood systems, food safety, security, livelihoods, and economies. By 2050, global healthcare costs related to AMR could exceed $1 trillion annually, and livestock production could decline by 2.6% to 7.5% each year. The situation in Africa is particularly dire, with 37 countries reporting AMR in animal farms, but only 16% of African nations conducting routine AMR surveillance in animals as of 2023.
Salih called for urgent action to bolster leadership, expand surveillance and data systems, promote responsible antimicrobial use, improve public and animal health systems, and secure sustainable financing to combat AMR. “Our health, food, and future depend on the actions we take now,” she stated.
Dr. Tajudeen emphasized that addressing AMR in Africa requires a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach involving all levels of society. He warned that without collective effort, overcoming AMR would be a prolonged and costly process. Millions in Africa currently lack access to essential antibiotics, with a study by Africa CDC and the African Society for Laboratory Medicine finding that only 1.3% of microbiology labs in 14 member states can test for key AMR pathogens.
Nqobile Ndlovu, head of the African Society for Laboratory Medicine, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening African laboratory capacities to combat AMR, ensuring effective treatments and promoting data-driven public health solutions across the continent.
The report recommends increasing the availability of high-quality diagnostics, vaccines, and antimicrobials for priority pathogens in high-risk African countries, underscoring the need for robust health and food systems, skilled human resources, and investment in laboratory infrastructure for effective surveillance and data generation.
