1. What is the biggest communication challenge related to AMR and inappropriate antimicrobial usage (AMU) in Africa?
Once people are already used to a certain way of doing things it is often difficult getting them to change their behaviour. One of the biggest communication challenge related to AMR and inappropriate usage in Africa is Behavioural Change Communication. Most people who misuse or abuse antimicrobials in food producing animals do not under the negative implications of their actions. To address this communication challenge, messages on prudent use of antimicrobials need to be as simple as possible for the unschooled to understand. People need to be aware of the dangers of inappropriate usage, this is the first step in addressing this problem.
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?
The best approach is story telling. Real life stories of individuals who had infections which were difficult to treat and eventually died. Many africans do not believe antimicrobial resistance is a problem because they cannot relate with anyone who has possibly died as a result of AMR. Using real life stories communicated in different languages using very simple terms that people can relate with may possibly be the best approach.
Dr. Mabel Aworh-Ajumobi