Publications

Zambia has recognised the Public Health threat of antimicrobial resistance and its impact on morbidity and mortality, as well as the subsequent economic consequences. The country has recorded microorganisms which have developed resistance to antimicrobial drugs. Notable among these are; Multidrug Resistant Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (MDR), Human Immunodeficiency virus resistant to antiretroviral drugs, Plasmodium resistance to antimalarial drugs, and fungal species showing indications of resistance to antifungal drugs. Emergence of “Superbugs” such as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Extended Spectrum beta-lactam (ESBL) producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) have also been reported. Zambia has developed a Multisectoral National Action Plan (NAP) to address ways of combating antimicrobial resistance. The country has adopted the “One Health” approach as proposed in the Global Action plan (GAP) on antimicrobial resistance. The main objective of the Multi-Sectoral Antimicrobial Resistance National Action Plan is to provide a coherent framework for combating AMR using the “One Health” approach embracing human, animal, agriculture and environment sectors in Zambia from 2017 to 2027. The focus areas that have been addressed in this plan include; awareness and education, surveillance and research, regulation, infection prevention, sanitation and hygiene, optimising drug use and investment in research and development.