Zambia is taking bold steps to strengthen its animal health sector and combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This progress is being driven through support from the Fleming Fund Country Grant (FFCG) implemented by the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) and the Antimicrobial Resistance and One Health East and Southern Africa (AMROH ESA) regional grant, in collaboration with the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI).

During the 3rd Annual One Health Scientific Symposium in Mansa, Luapula Province, CIDRZ’s Mwendalubi Hadunka highlighted the significant progress achieved under these grants.

He noted that the grants have delivered four critical tools reshaping veterinary practice nationwide: The Essential Veterinary Medicines List (EVML), the Treatment Guidelines for Beef and Dairy Cattle, and two comprehensive Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) curricula tailored for veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals.

Dr Hadunka explained that the EVML offers a standardised national reference for essential medicines crucial to effective animal health service delivery. Developed through extensive multisectoral collaboration, the EVML aligns with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) guidance and national priorities. It seeks to strengthen procurement systems, promote rational medicine use, and support consistent veterinary service delivery across Zambia’s livestock sector.

He further outlined that the Standard Treatment Guidelines for Beef and Dairy Cattle provide evidence-based protocols for managing major cattle diseases, harmonising treatment approaches, and fostering prudent antimicrobial use.  Developed with contributions from veterinarians, livestock specialists, and field experts, these guidelines reflect Zambia’s disease landscape, including Diseases of National Economic Importance (DNEI) and Management Diseases (MDs).

The veterinary curriculum enhances competencies in diagnostics, AMR, and responsible prescribing, addressing key gaps highlighted in the 2023 WOAH Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) assessment. The paraprofessional curriculum emphasises early disease detection, prudent drug use, effective farmer communication, and infection prevention and control. Collectively, these tools represent a major milestone in Zambia’s AMR response, strengthening governance, improving stewardship, and enhancing livestock service delivery.

Dr Hadunka emphasised that these efforts demonstrate Zambia’s commitment to a One Health approach, protecting communities today while building a more resilient and sustainable future.