What is the biggest communication challenge related to AMR and inappropriate antimicrobial usage (AMU) in Africa?
Behaviour change remains a big challenge, despite the increase in communication related to AMR and AMU. In addition, communicating the role of agriculture and the environment in spreading resistant microorganisms. Also, a lot of the terms related to AMR are technical, translation into local dialects is challenging.
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?
Resistance to some of the antimicrobial agents e.g. antimalarials, antiretrovirals are being managed as siloed programs. It is best to integrate communication on antibacterial resistance into these programs, since antibacterials are used in conjunction with these medication and these program have well established communication structures.
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”?
The media need to be trained on AMR, what it means and how it impacts the health of the population and the economy. The media can then take responsibility and own the story. Grants could be awarded via a competitive process to media to develop creatives e.g. a documentary, on AMR
What communication channels, methods or mechanisms are more suitable and will have the greatest impact at field level in African countries?
Engagement via social media and mass media remains essential. Using innovative interpersonal communication methods e.g. community drama, children summer camps, could also result in greater impact.
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?
Health workers, political leaders, religious leads and education institutions should be prioritised.
At national, regional and continental levels, who to do think should take leadership and responsibility for awareness and advocacy activities on AMU and AMR
At the national level, National Public Health Institutes, Federal Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Environment should take the lead. At the regional level, Regional Centres for Disease Control and regional bodies for agriculture and environment. At the continental level, the African Union arms for public health, agriculture and environment.
Dr. Abiodun E