Africa CDC warns of high death rate from drug-resistant infections

A new report by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has lamented the tendency of an increase in illnesses and mortality rate in the continent.

The African Union Landmark Report launched this week at the Africa CDC headquarters revealed that Africa faces the highest mortality rate from antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The report says Africans suffer 27.3 deaths per 100,000 from AMR — exceeding the combined death toll from HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

AMR occurs when microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites become resistant to drugs that are meant to kill them.

According to Dr. Raji Tajudeen, Africa CDC Deputy Director-General, “we must not ignore this silent threat that disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable among us.”

Tajudeen stressed that addressing AMR in Africa is a work for all.

He said “unless we work together, overcoming antimicrobial resistance will be a difficult and long-drawn process that will cost lives”.

Tajudeen said “currently, millions in Africa lack access to essential antibiotics, with a study by Africa CDC and the African Society for Laboratory Medicine revealing that only 1.3 per cent of microbiology labs in 14 member states can test for key AMR pathogens”.

Additionally, Mr. Nqobile Ndlovu, the head of the African Society for Laboratory Medicine, asserted that the organisation is interested and committed to strengthening African laboratory capacities to combat AMR.

In her words “our goal is to ensure the continued efficacy of treatments and promote data-driven solutions to safeguard public health across the continent”.

He said further, “despite the estimated $2.6bn needed annually for an effective AMR response across Africa, current funding is only a tenth of that allocated to other major diseases. This underfunding makes AMR a significant barrier to sustainable development, hindering progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063”.

Dr Huyam Salih, the director of the African Union-Inter African Bureau for Animal Resources, also explained the crucial duty that the African Union must execute in combating AMR.

She said “antimicrobial resistance is not just a health issue—it is a threat to our agrifood systems, food safety, food security, livelihoods, and economies.”

“In Africa, the situation is particularly alarming, with 37 countries reporting the prevalence of AMR in animal farms, yet only 16 per cent of African countries are conducting routine AMR surveillance in animals as of 2023”.

“Our health, our food, and our future depend on the actions we take now,” she stressed.

The report revealed that 700,000 people die annually from drug-resistant infections globally, and Africa bears a significant burden.

The report also includes recommendations for availability of vaccines and antimicrobials in African countries.