Mobilising faith-based organizations to address antibiotic resistance in Africa

2026-01-29

Antibiotic resistance is one of the most pressing public health threats facing Africa today. Its drivers including misuse of antibiotics, self-medication, and improper disposal of medicines are deeply rooted in community practices. This makes community engagement essential. Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs), among the most trusted and far-reaching institutions across the continent, are uniquely positioned to influence behaviours, shape values, and extend health messages into households and communities that formal health systems may not consistently reach. Engaging faith leaders therefore strengthens public understanding of AMR and supports lasting behaviour change.

Recognizing this opportunity, ReAct Africa and partners have prioritized structured engagement with faith communities as part of broader AMR advocacy and awareness efforts. This work focuses on equipping faith leaders and their communities with tools that connect scientific evidence on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with:

• moral responsibility
• stewardship of life and
• compassion for those affected by drug-resistant infections.

By integrating AMR messages into sermons, teachings, and community outreach, faith leaders become powerful advocates for responsible use of medicines and protection of life-saving treatments.

Developed key resources

As part of this initiative, ReAct Africa has developed and launched key resources to support Faith-Based Organization engagement. These include newly released AMR Sermon Guides for Christian and Muslim faith leaders and communities, offering eight faith-aligned sermon and khutbah outlines that translate AMR concepts into accessible and actionable messages.

Guidelines for FBOs on AMR

In addition, guidelines for Faith-Based Organizations on AMR engagement have been developed, alongside a policy brief that will be officially launched on 3rd February, targeting Faith-Based Organization networks, health authorities, and national and regional AMR stakeholders to strengthen coordinated action and policy inclusion.

Rollout activities are underway

With these tools now available, rollout activities are underway across partner networks. Faith leaders are being encouraged to adopt the guides in worship services, study groups, and community forums, while Faith-Based Organization health institutions integrate AMR awareness into routine service delivery. Policy dialogues and partnerships are also being strengthened to ensure faith actors are meaningfully included in national AMR action plans.

Through this work, faith communities are not only being informed about antimicrobial resistance, they are being empowered to lead. Protecting the effectiveness of antibiotics is ultimately about protecting life, and faith-based organizations are proving to be indispensable partners in that mission.