Report: Africa tests only 5 antibiotic-resistant pathogens

New data from the Mapping Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Use Partnership has revealed alarming trends in Africa's battle against antibiotic resistance. The report indicates that only five out of the 15 antibiotic-resistant pathogens designated by the World Health Organization as priority pathogens are consistently tested on the African continent, and all five have shown high levels of resistance. Pascal Ondoa, the Director of Science and New Initiative at the African Society for Laboratory Medicine, shared these findings with CNBC Africa's Kenneth Igbomor during a recent interview. Ondoa highlighted several key points that shed light on the challenges faced by African countries in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Firstly, there is a severe lack of medical laboratories equipped to conduct bacteriology testing, with only 1.3% of the 50,000 surveyed laboratories capable of performing such tests. This scarcity hinders the monitoring and detection of AMR in the region, leaving a significant gap in understanding the extent of the problem. Secondly, while the WHO recommends testing 15 specific bacteria and antibiotic combinations for surveillance, African labs can only test five due to limitations in resources and workforce capacity. The prevalence of resistance among common pathogens like Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Enterobacteria is troubling, with resistance rates exceeding 50% for some antibiotics. Finally, the report identifies a combination of restricted access to antibiotics and erratic usage patterns as contributing factors to the AMR crisis in Africa. This situation is exacerbated by the inability of labs to determine the most effective treatments, leading to the misuse of antibiotics and the proliferation of resistance. The interview with Ondoa also delved into the underlying reasons for Africa's struggles in combating AMR. Ondoa speculated that the lack of political will, funding, and awareness could be significant factors hindering progress. Despite the availability of established methodologies and tools for detecting AMR, their implementation lacks the urgency and resources dedicated to other global health threats like COVID-19. He emphasized the urgency of the AMR issue and called for greater attention from policymakers and stakeholders to address the growing threat. In response to questions about policy formulation and data utilization, Ondoa stressed the need for tailored interventions based on locally relevant evidence. He highlighted the importance of using the new data set to guide targeted policies aimed at improving access to essential antibiotics, regulating drug circulation, and enhancing the healthcare workforce in African countries. Additionally, he pointed out the challenges posed by counterfeit drugs in the region and underscored the need for robust data collection systems to track antibiotic distribution and usage effectively. In conclusion, the data presented in the report serves as a wake-up call for African nations to prioritize AMR surveillance and intervention strategies. By addressing the gaps in laboratory testing, policy formulation, and data management, countries can work towards safeguarding the effectiveness of antibiotics and combating the looming threat of resistance.