AMR: The Silent Pandemic Africa Can No Longer Ignore, Says WHO Regional Director
As the world marks World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week 2025 from 18-24 November, the World Health Organisation has issued a stern warning: the medicines we rely on to save lives are losing their power.
This “silent pandemic”, experts say, is already eroding decades of health gains, particularly in Africa.
In a message to commemorate the week, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi, urged governments, professionals and communities to act with urgency under this year’s theme, “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future.”
Dr Janabi described AMR as far more than a medical challenge, calling it a complex, multisectoral threat “affecting food security, economic stability, and overall wellbeing.”
He warned that antimicrobial-resistant infections are already claiming lives on a massive scale, with sub-Saharan Africa recording the world’s highest mortality rates.
In 2019 alone, AMR was linked to 1.27 million deaths globally, surpassing HIV/AIDS and malaria combined.
According to him, the misuse of antimicrobials in humans and animals, poor access to clean water and sanitation, and limited diagnostic capacity continue to fuel the crisis across the region.
Despite the grim numbers, Dr Janabi highlighted key progress: all 47 African Member States now have multisectoral National Action Plans on AMR, while over half are using the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) to strengthen evidence-based policies.
Additionally, 32 countries are implementing strategies to optimise responsible antimicrobial use in health facilities and communities.
He emphasised that sustainable progress depends on strong governance, country ownership and continuous education.
More than 18 countries have participated in WHO-supported trainings this year to strengthen stewardship, infection prevention, and AMR campaign messaging.
Dr Janabi issued direct calls to action across sectors:
Governments: Mobilise domestic resources to sustain AMR action plans.
Health professionals: Prescribe responsibly and maintain strict infection prevention standards.
Environmental regulators: Enforce proper disposal of antimicrobial waste to prevent contamination.
Civil society: Drive behaviour change, accountability, and public education.
Communities: Avoid self-medication, do not buy antibiotics from informal vendors, and always complete prescribed treatments.
Youth: Use your voice and platforms to combat misinformation and promote responsible antimicrobial use.
He stressed that defeating AMR requires united efforts through the One Health approach, in partnership with FAO, UNEP, WOAH, Africa CDC and AU-IBAR.
“Doing nothing is not an option. AMR is here, and we must act now,” the Regional Director said.
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