News and Opinions  –  2016

ReAct and CDDEP join forces to support NAP development in LMICs

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2016-11-01

27 October 2016

ReAct and the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy (CDDEP) through the Global Antibiotic Resistance Partnership (GARP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly assist African countries to develop National Action Plans on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

“ I am delighted that this collaboration has come into existence as it will synergize our individual efforts to improve the countries policy on antibiotic resistance.”

– Mirfin Mpundu, head of ReAct Africa 

Both organizations have strong track records in providing technical assistance and financial support to improve policymaking related to antibiotic resistance in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). ReAct Africa and GARP will be providing support to some of the same countries in Southern and East Africa in the coming critical period, when nations are working towards the goal set by the World Health Organization of completing their National Action Plans in 2017. As the organizations were separately providing technical support to Zimbabwe, the initiative to collaborate was a logical step to take.

“GARP and ReAct both have strong track records in assisting countries build local antibiotic resistance policy capacity while developing national action and implementation plans. Joining together brings the out the strengths of each organization for an even more effective program, and it also allows us to stretch our resources to more countries.

– Hellen Gelband, CDDEP

Tailored activities to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Rwanda

Together the two organizations will provide technical and financial assistance towards antibiotic resistance policy development in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Rwanda initially.

The precise nature of activities in the participating countries will be tailored to each country’s context, but will be focused on assisting countries with situation analyses, national action plans and national implementation plans for ABR.  Both organizations will provide technical assistance consistent with country needs and available expertise.

The collaboration is a great example in the antibiotic resistance landscape that joint efforts are needed to address the problem of antibiotic resistance worldwide.

ReAct Africa calls for a Global Antimicrobial Conservation Fund for low-and middle-income countries and together with partners, published an editorial in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases, read full article here.