Parliamentarians Rally to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance in Africa

Pre-Conference Meeting Sets the Stage for Legislative Action on AMR at the 10th Annual Regional AMR Conference

As antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to emerge as one of the most pressing health and development challenges of our time, African policymakers are stepping up to confront the crisis head-on. Held ahead of the 10th Annual Regional AMR Conference, the Parliamentarian Pre-Conference Meeting on AMR brought together over 50 parliamentarians, clerks, and senior policymakers from across the continent to address the urgent need for legislative and policy-level action on AMR.
The gathering featuring delegates from Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and representatives from regional and international institutions such as Africa CDC, ECSA-HC, FAO, AMREF, PATH, and national ministries aimed to build consensus around operationalizing Africa’s forthcoming Regional Action Plan on AMR. A key objective was to initiate the establishment of a Regional Parliamentarian Caucus on AMR to drive legislative accountability and sustained engagement.
The stakes are high. In 2019, AMR was linked to more than 25% of Africa’s 3.83 million infection-related deaths. By 2050, projections warn of 39 million global deaths annually and treatment costs soaring to $160 billion per year if no action is taken. Against this backdrop, parliamentarians were called upon to transform policy commitments into tangible action.

Throughout the pre-conference, key messages emphasized the central role of parliamentarians in translating regional and global AMR commitments into legislation, financing, and oversight. Dr. Nyambe Sinyange, representing Zambia’s National Public Health Institute, delivered a message on behalf of Prof. Roma Chilengi, stating:“We envision a future where Zambia has a well-financed, legally grounded, and multisectoral coordinated response to AMR. Your support as Parliamentarians is crucial.”

In a powerful reminder of the cross-sectoral nature of AMR, Dr. Fusya Goma, Director of Veterinary Services at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, highlighted the intersection of AMR, animal health, and climate change.“Antimicrobial resistance is no longer a looming threat. It’s here and it’s growing. Parliamentarians must bring these issues to their constituencies and use platforms like World Antimicrobial Awareness Week to drive awareness.”

Speakers underscored the challenges that hinder AMR action at national level, including limited domestic financing and fragmented implementation.
Prof. Mirfin Mpundu, Executive Director and Co-founder of ReAct Africa, called for stronger parliamentary oversight:
“Funding gaps and competing priorities continue to delay National Action Plan implementation. Parliamentarians must take ownership of follow-up and accountability.”
Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi from the Ministry of Health framed AMR as a developmental and security threat, urging lawmakers to view it not as a technical issue, but a national emergency demanding strong governance, budget allocation, and inter-sectoral collaboration through One Health.
Dr. Evelyn Wesangula, from ECSA-HC, stressed the need to understand the economic burden of inaction, adding:
“This initiative, if followed through, offers real potential to deliver solutions rooted in policy and political will.”
Towards a Regional Parliamentarian Caucus on AMR
Closing remarks by Dr. Christopher Kalila, a seasoned parliamentarian, brought attention to the need for simpler, relatable communication of AMR:
“AMR is often treated as an abstract concept. We must break it down into language that parliamentarians—and their constituents—can understand. Your leadership matters.”
The pre-conference concluded with a strong call to action from Prof. Roma Chilengi, who noted:
“AMR quietly undermines decades of medical progress. Technical interventions alone are not enough. Policymakers must lead. Platforms like this can catalyze the formation of a regional caucus and embed AMR in Africa’s development agenda.”

The Parliamentarian Pre-Conference reaffirmed the critical role of African legislators in combating AMR. By fostering regional cooperation and creating a dedicated caucus, the meeting marked a significant step toward making AMR a political and development priority. The challenge ahead lies in translating dialogue into action and ensuring that Africa’s response to AMR is both locally owned and sustainably financed.