1. What is the biggest communication challenge related to AMR and inappropriate antimicrobial usage (AMU) in Africa?
As it was highlighted in this article, Antibiotics have been used for healthcare purposes in Africa for years, and the efficacy is somewhat undeniable, this is where I believe the challenge lies. The biggest communicable challenge will be that people don't believe what is being communicated because they know that antibiotics indeed works for some illnesses and conditions.
2. What is the best approach to communicate about other antimicrobials (antifungal, antiparasitic, antiviral, pesticides), and not only antibiotics? As viruses, fungi and parasites can also be resistant to medicines commonly used to treat them, and impacting health and food systems, how do we communicate about these issues in addition to antibiotic resistant bacteria?
For me, the best approach is to channel just as much energy into these other areas as well. Specific dates should be set out to create awareness about antifungal resistance, antiviral resistance, etc.
3. How can we get the topic of AMR included more often in the media? How do we ensure the visibility of AMR amongst other “hot topics”?
I would say, more people should be encouraged to tell their stories about their AMR journey so people can see practical examples.
4. What communication channels, methods or mechanisms are more suitable and will have the greatest impact at field level in African countries?
The media. Social networks through a systematic approach. Let us engage more professionals outside of the healthcare space with discussions that center around AMR.
5. Which group of stakeholders do you think should be considered as priority for targeted key messages aiming at raising awareness on excessive AMU and AMR?
Healthcare workers (pertinent to one health) are a priority group, but owners of local drug stores where people are very likely to get these antibiotics from should be considered as priority too. Pharmaceutical companies responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of these drugs should also be encouraged to include a caveat on the packaging of antibiotics.
6. At national, regional and continental levels, who to do think should take leadership and responsibility for awareness and advocacy activities on AMU and AMR
Everyone that identifies with the one health system in the country, including organizations like the food and drug administration, ministry of health etc.
Ms. Temitope Alao-Sanni, RD