Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Guidance for the African Region

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern that affects the effectiveness of antimicrobial medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals, and plants. AMR is a natural phenomenon driven by genetic changes in pathogens, but is accelerated by human activities like misuse and overuse in healthcare, agriculture, and animal husbandry. AMR is a global challenge, particularly in low and middle-income countries due to weak healthcare systems and inequalities. It makes infections harder to treat, increasing risks in critical procedures like surgeries and cancer chemotherapy. The global shortage of new antibiotics is exacerbated by insufficient research and development pipelines. AMR also has significant economic implications, with the World Bank predicting additional healthcare costs and GDP losses by 2030.