Zambia joined the global community in commemorating World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week (WAAW), a World Health Organization (WHO)-led initiative aimed at improving understanding of antimicrobial resistance and promoting best practices that prevent the emergence and spread of resistant infections.

The country, through the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Kingdom Government’s Fleming Fund through CIDRZ, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and other cooperating partners, officially launched the 2025 World AMR Awareness Week activities with a march-past in Mansa.

WAAW 2025 was observed from 18–24 November under the theme “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future.” The theme underscores the urgent need for bold, coordinated, and sustained action to address AMR and safeguard global health.

Luapula Province Permanent Secretary, Ms Prudence Chinama, was the Guest of Honour at the launch of WAAW 2025. Addressing the gathering, she said that the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through ZNPHI, has developed a multi-sectoral National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance to respond to AMR.Ms Chinama said the plan is anchored on the One Health approach, which promotes coordinated action across human, animal, and environmental sectors.

She further noted that, as part of this national strategy, Luapula Province has begun implementing Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) programmes in health facilities, starting with Mansa General Hospital.

AMS programmes aim to strengthen the capacity of health workers to prescribe and dispense antibiotics responsibly, while monitoring usage patterns to curb misuse.

Speaking during the launch, British High Commissioner to Zambia, Rebecca Terzeon, revealed that, with support from the UK Fleming Fund, Zambia has trained hundreds of health workers in microbiology and the appropriate use of antimicrobial medicines.

She noted that support from the Fleming Fund through CIDRZ and other grants strengthened public and veterinary laboratories, provided essential laboratory commodities, and upgraded surveillance sites nationwide.

She added that Zambia has collected thousands of laboratory samples, providing crucial evidence on showing antibiotics that are still effective and those that have developed resistance. This data has already informed updated clinical guidelines, ensuring patients receive the correct treatment and helping to slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance nationwide.

Meanwhile, ZNPHI Director General, Professor Roma Chilengi, urged stakeholders across the health, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sectors to reinforce their efforts in the fight against AMR.

“We are proud to report that much has been done in strengthening regulation and raising awareness on antimicrobial stewardship,” he said, adding that “Significant progress has also been made in research and knowledge generation to better inform the messages we deliver to healthcare workers and practitioners.” Prof Roma reaffirmed ZNPHI’s commitment to supporting hospitals, health workers, and partners in strengthening surveillance systems, enhancing stewardship practices, and promoting a One Health approach to addressing AMR.

During the WAAW2025 launch, five surveillance documents developed with support from the Fleming Fund through CIDRZ were launched. The five documents launched include: Standard Treatment Guidelines for Beef and Dairy Cattle, Antimicrobial Stewardship Curriculum for Veterinarians, Antimicrobial Stewardship Curriculum for Para-Veterinarians, Essential Veterinary Medicine List, and Standard Treatment Guidelines for Poultry. These documents will help the Animal Health Sector respond to AMR through rational antimicrobial use.

Commemorating World AMR Awareness Week reminds us of the urgent need to tackle antimicrobial resistance. As bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites become less responsive to medications, common infections become increasingly difficult or even impossible to treat, leading to prolonged illness, higher healthcare costs, and an increased risk of mortality. Raising awareness and promoting responsible use of antibiotics is crucial to protecting public health and saving lives.