Uganda to host 9th annual Antimicrobial Resistance conference

Uganda is set to commemorate World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week by hosting the 9th Annual Antimicrobial Resistance Conference at Hotel Africana from Wednesday, November 20, to Friday, November 22, 2024.

The conference will review Uganda’s progress in combating AMR and discuss strategies to address this growing health crisis.

The event will bring together experts, scientists, health professionals, civil society representatives, and individuals affected by AMR. Participants will reflect on advancements made in tackling AMR and explore future initiatives to manage this “ticking time bomb.”

The conference will be officiated by prominent figures, including Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng on the opening day and the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, on the final day.

As a key highlight, a Parliamentary Forum on AMR will be launched by Speaker Among to strengthen legislative and policy measures against the spread of drug-resistant infections.

“People affected by AMR will also share their experiences, giving a human face to the AMR challenge beyond the statistics,” noted Rogers Kisame from the Baylor College Children’s Foundation, a conference partner.

WAAW is a global campaign observed annually from November 18–24 to raise awareness about AMR and promote best practices among stakeholders across human, animal, plant, and environmental health sectors.

This year’s theme, “Educate. Advocate. Act now,” was selected following an online survey of nearly 200 stakeholders globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

AMR occurs when microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites undergo genetic changes that make them resistant to antimicrobial medicines, including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics.

Speaking to journalists, Dr. Henry Kajumbura from Makerere University College of Health Sciences expressed concern over the rising prevalence of AMR in Uganda, urging responsible use of antibiotics.

He highlighted the risks associated with unregulated antibiotic sales, particularly in private health facilities.

“Health workers, especially in private facilities, sometimes sell antibiotics without proper prescription. Always question such practices and ask, ‘Do I really need these tablets,” Dr. Kajumbura advised.

He emphasized that antibiotics should only be taken under a doctor’s prescription to prevent the development of resistance.

The conference is expected to provide critical insights and actionable solutions to address AMR in Uganda and beyond