Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a silent yet devastating global health crisis, has emerged as one of the most pressing threats to public health, rendering once-effective drugs ineffective and putting millions of lives at risk.

The phenomenon, where bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites develop resistance to antimicrobial drugs, has made critical treatments increasingly ineffective, jeopardizing lives and straining global health systems.

According to the World Health Organization's (WHO), drug-resistant pathogens claim 1.3 million lives annually and contribute to nearly five million more deaths worldwide. Children under five bear the brunt, with one million succumbing each year—a figure surpassing the combined fatalities from HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.

Ethiopia is no exception to this global phenomenon. AMR is taking a deadly toll on the country’s population and has become a central focus for health authorities, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and partners alike.

As a result, the country has joined the global push to stem this tide, aligning its efforts with the WHO  Global Action Plan for AMR, introduced in 2015. It has also intensified its response by implementing its National Strategic Plan for AMR Prevention and Containment.

Since 2015, Ethiopia has pursued a National Action Plan (NAP) for AMR, developed in collaboration with WHO and other international stakeholders. This plan was further refined in the National Strategic Plan for AMR Prevention and Containment (2021-2025), which adopts a One Health approach, integrating human, animal, plant, and environmental health sectors.

Ethiopia’s initiatives include embedding AMR strategies into the Health Sector Transformation Plan II, strengthening infection prevention protocols, and rolling out antimicrobial stewardship programs in over 200 hospitals. Surveillance systems for AMR and antimicrobial consumption have also been established.

“AMR is not just a health issue; it is a global socioeconomic crisis,” Dr. Mekdes Daba, Ethiopia’s Minister of Health, stated during the launch of the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), held in Addis Ababa from November 18 to 24, 2024.

Ethiopia’s efforts are part of a broader international framework. By March 2023, 170 countries had developed national action plans aligned with WHO’s Global Action Plan. Ethiopia’s progress has been supported by partnerships with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).

“Ethiopia is pushing for stronger political and financial commitments. Global collaboration is key,” Dr. Mekdes emphasized. “The time to act is now,” she added.

“Ethiopia has made significant strides in addressing AMR,” noted Dr. Dlamini Nonhlanhla, Deputy Representative to WHO in Ethiopia, citing strengthened multisectoral coordination and increased resource allocation. However, challenges remain. “Our achievements, though commendable, fall short of the scale required to tackle this crisis effectively,” she said.

To bridge these gaps, Ethiopia is emphasizing the need for expanded implementation at all levels—federal, regional, and institutional.

Dr. Dlamini also underscored the importance of educating healthcare professionals and communities, advocating for political and social leadership, and introducing robust monitoring and evaluation systems.

The efforts come against the backdrop of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), observed globally from November 18 to 24. This year’s theme, “Educate. Advocate. Act Now,” highlights the urgency of public awareness and policy commitments to curb the rise of drug-resistant infections.

AMR threatens to undo decades of medical progress, putting critical procedures such as surgeries and cancer treatments at risk. Its implications extend beyond human health, impacting agriculture and the environment. WHO and its partners are calling for continued support to scale up national and global efforts and urging local and international stakeholders to prioritize AMR prevention and containment.

With the silent threat of AMR looming, Ethiopia’s determined response serves as a crucial reminder: the fight against drug-resistant infections demands unwavering commitment, swift action, and global solidarity.