What motivated WaterAid to support the campaign From People to Leaders: Act on AMR now and sign this Call for Global Action?
– WaterAid wanted to support the campaign and sign the call for global action because AMR is an urgent concern for people all over the world. Too many people have already died of antibiotic resistance caused by the lack of clean water.
Why do you think it’s important for civil society groups and communities to come together and raise their collective voice on this issue?
– It’s important to show that there is a strong voice for highlighting that AMR is affecting many people in their lives. Not least when they visit healthcare facilities and is being offered antibiotics to keep infections away due to poor hygiene and sanitation.
One of the key requests in the Call is for governments to ensure meaningful participation of civil society in AMR governance and policymaking. Why do you think this inclusive approach is critical, and what mechanisms would you like to see established to facilitate this engagement?
– An inclusive approach is important if you really want to reach people most affected. We need to listen to their experiences and needs if we want to come to a more sustainable solution.
The campaign and the call urges investment in public awareness, education and community engagement initiatives around AMR.
Can you share some successful examples of how your organization has worked to educate and mobilize the public on this issue? What more needs to be done?
– WaterAid is working in schools and health centres, for example in the Kisarawe District of Tanzania. In 2021, only 15% of schools and 42% of healthcare facilities in Tanzania had basic hygiene services. We are conducting surveys and pilot activities in schools and healthcare facilities to understand how people practice hygiene. We are then using the results to determine the best ways to improve hand hygiene in these settings. We are creating and implementing hygiene behaviour change campaigns, including interactive games and nudges designed to encourage positive behaviours. With improved hygiene behaviour comes less use of antibiotics and therefore less antimicrobial resistance.
– WaterAid needs that ministries of education and ministries of health ensure the scale and sustainability of the project; that local academic institutions and consultants conduct research and studies; that creative partners and institutions implement hygiene behaviour change campaigns and that school and healthcare facility management committees to inform intervention design and implement project activities.
Looking ahead to the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR in 2024, what are WaterAid’s hopes and expectations for the political commitments and declaration that will emerge?
Beyond high-level statements, what concrete actions and accountability measures would you like global leaders to adopt to turn the tide on this silent pandemic of AMR?
– WaterAid is of course hoping that water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is a part of the declaration and discussions. WASH also needs to be a part of more National Action Plans and for them to be financed. The High-Level meeting can help out with the follow-up what has been agreed upon on a regular basis and with clear indicators. Otherwise there is a risk of that this will be a meeting with no real action and positive outcome.