In Burkina Faso, the Observatory for Quality and Safety of Care, a non-governmental organisation, has set itself the objective of monitoring threats to safety of care, including the problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Through its approaches based on advocacy, communication and awareness, the organisation tries to stimulate the consciousness of decision makers and communities. Dr Zakaria Gansane, epidemiologist and President of the Observatory, tells us why AMR is a serious public health problem.