2018-10-11
ReAct Africa and South Centre will hold an antimicrobial resistance (AMR) focused conference from the 5-7 November in Nairobi, Kenya, on the theme, “Combating Antimicrobial Resistance in Africa to achieve the 2030 Agenda.” This conference will review progress in how antimicrobial resistance effects progress towards achieving the 2030 agenda on sustainable development. It will identify gaps and opportunities for regional and global collaboration.
Under the One Health approach, ReAct Africa brings together experts from academia, agriculture, environment, human and animal health, civil societies, faith-based sector and policy experts for round table discussions.
A year of activities and technical support to several AMR Champions and countries in Africa has provided us with invaluable information and data which we are excited to share plus learn from each other on how we can address antimicrobial resistance within the 2030 Agenda.
Mirfin Mpundu, Head of ReAct Africa, is looking forward to the conference:
“We are excited to welcome participants to Kenya for this year’s ReAct Africa Conference with South Centre. I am convinced that antimicrobial resistance threatens the achievements and work is yet to be done to deliver the Agenda 2030 goals. The conference will review the current situation of antimicrobial resistance in African countries, updates on National Action Plans implementation and provide a platform for African countries to share best practices.
ReAct Africa is proud of its continued contribution in fighting the threat of antimicrobial resistance in Africa, with notable contributions made this year in Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya and Zambia – to mention a but few examples. We are also honored to collaborate with South Centre at this years’ conference.”
Focus on governance structures
The last day of the conference will be hosted by South Centre and will focus on the current governance structures and gaps at the national, regional and international level. A borderless threat like antimicrobial resistance requires global governance mechanisms to mitigate its emergence and spread – and it is the responsibility of all countries and relevant multilateral organizations. These mechanisms, usually in the form of legally binding global governance mechanisms (such as treaties and regulatory standards), or non-binding mechanisms (such as political declarations, resolutions, or guidelines), will be brought forward for discussion. Thus, governance trends and gaps will be analyzed.
AMR is not a stand-alone issue
Last year, the ReAct Africa conference focused on the development and implementation of National Action Plans on AMR with over 10 African countries presenting their progress and exchanging experiences. The One Health Approach was highlighted as an area needing more integration as countries noted that there was not a lot of work being undertaken in the animal health and environment sectors, in comparison to human health.
Dr. Jane Lwoyero, says:
“Linking animal health to human health, agriculture and the environment with regard to antimicrobial resistance is a very logical and crucial step. We now know that antimicrobial resistance is not a stand-alone issue but is multi-dimensional in what is an increasingly global community. This is why I am excited to attend the ReAct Africa Conference this year. As a veterinarian, I am interested to hear all the feedback on the progress of National Action Planss and now viewing that progress through the lens of existing Sustainable Development Goals programs, especially as it pertains to animal health.”