Mapping and gap analysis on antimicrobial resistance surveillance systems in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia
Loading...
Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer Nature
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem and involve pathogens which have the potential to move
between food producing animals and humans by direct exposure or through the food chain or the environment. The
objective of this study was to determine the performance in addressing antimicrobial resistance in Kenya, Tanzania,
Uganda and Zambia. Desk review and in-depth interviews were employed for data collection. Interviews were con-
ducted with national antimicrobial resistance focal officials.
Results The findings indicate that in the four countries there was minimal capacity to conduct AMR surveillance.
There were few well-established laboratories in tertiary hospitals, both private and public hospitals. The animal, envi-
ronment and agricultural sectors in all countries had limited capacity in conducting antimicrobial resistance surveil-
lance. There is limited data on antimicrobial resistance in all the four countries, and regional data sharing was limited.
In all the four countries, data from research institutions were not linked using standardized system making difficult
to compile the national database. The capacity for microbiological culture, identification and antimicrobial sensitivity
testing using standardized protocols was available in the four countries. The interventions adopted by the countries
included development of National Action Plans on antimicrobial resistance and setting up of multi-sectoral national
coordinating structures.
Conclusions Based on this findings, the countries need improved National Integrated Antimicrobial Resistance Sur-
veillance systems to include community settings, involving antimicrobial use and resistance in human, animal, food,
and environment sectors. In addition, the region requires clear antimicrobial resistance data sharing protocol for quick
comparability of the data across the region. This is important in driving antimicrobial resistance agendas at regional
level, which will eventually trigger collective actions.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Antimicrobial resistance, Surveillance data, Capacities, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia
Citation
https://doi.org/10.1186/s42269-023-00986-2