Key takeaways from the ReAct Africa and South Centre Conference
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2022-08-25
The ReAct Africa and South Centre Annual conference was held as a hybrid event from 25-27 July, 2022 in Lusaka Zambia and Virtually on Zoom under the theme; Africa’s response to Antimicrobial Resistance: Accelerating One Health National Action Plans implementation for the next 5 years. Here you find a few key takeaways from the 3-day conference.
Participants from 30 countries joined the ReAct Africa & South Centre Conference. Photo: Kalichi Pictures.
The conference drew participation from a total of 30 countries and representation from human, animal and environment sectors.
Participants from 23 African countries joined the conference-days:
Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon,
Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),
Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana,
Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lesotho,
Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Namibia,
Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania,
Togo, Zambia, Zimbabwe and
7 non-African countries:
Denmark, India, Italy, Scotland,
Switzerland England and USA.
The Zambia Minister of Health Ms. Sylvia Masebo officially opened the conference and pointed out that user-friendly communication in plays a crucial role for community members – for action to happen.
Sylvia Masebo, Minister of Health, Zambia, opened up the 3-day conference. Photo: Kalichi Pictures.
“If community members do not understand the language we use when addressing antimicrobial resistance, we have done nothing. There is a need to have user-friendly communication.”
Sylvia Masebo, Minister of Health, Zambia
There were many discussions during the conference days. Photo: Kalichi Pictures.
Key takeaways from the 3-day conference
There is a need to improve domestic commitment and political will in the African region.
There is a need for effective multi-sectoral strategies and collaboration.
Importance of data and economic analysis in promoting action by policy makers.
There is need for surveillance data and implementation to be context specific.
There is a need to invest more in research for solutions to antimicrobial resistance and identify a more sustainable funding mechanism in the region.
The conference highlighted the importance of overcoming the challenges across sectors to meet goals for antimicrobial prevention & control and biosecurity.
There is need for measures and approaches for locally relevant partnerships – that can ensure sustainable change in the region.
A bottom-up approach is important – complementing the implementation efforts of National Action Plans on AMR.
Health system strengthening necessary for sustainable efforts to manage antibiotic resistance.
Many questions were raised during the sessions and during breaks. Photo: Kalichi Pictures.
Challenges implementing National Action Plans during the last five years
Experiences from participants of the ReAct Africa Conference in July. Click for larger image.
Objectives of the conference
To bring together Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) experts, Civil Society Organisations, academia, ministries, research institutions, intergovernmental organisations to discuss regional challenges and approaches to addressing AMR and the next steps in National Action Plans (NAPs) review and implementation.
To assess existing NAP implementation progress and ongoing challenges within the region and tease out the lessons learned.
To discuss key activities, and steps that will result in catalytic action for the next 5 years ensuring no country is left behind.
To provide way forward for countries on how best to implement NAPs on AMR via a One Health approach.
Promote and share evidence-based interventions such as implementation research and behavioural approaches in addressing AMR within and across sectors.
