Scoping Workshop on Implementation of Zambia’s Multi-sectoral National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2018)

As part of CSE’s campaign to address the animal and environmental aspects of Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), CSE organized a Scoping Workshop on Implementation of Zambia’s Multi–sectoral NAP-AMR at Lusaka, Zambia, jointly with the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), Ministry of Health, Zambia from 9-10 Aug, 2018. The aim of the workshop was to understand existing policies, practices and systems in Zambia in view of the animal and environmental aspects of AMR. The workshop was also intended to prioritize key actions based on needs and challenges discussed and identified across different sectors/departments. 

The workshop brought together about 25-30 participants from key stakeholder departments of health, animal husbandry, environment, agriculture, food, drug, along with representation from inter-governmental organizations (working at country level), civil society, academia, veterinary and pharmaceutical associations in Zambia etc. Some of the key Zambian stakeholder ministries, departments that participated in the workshop are Ministry of Health, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Zambia Agriculture Research Institute, Zambia Environmental Management Agency, Food and Drugs Control Laboratory,Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority. Other organizations from Zambia that attended include Pharmaceutical Society of Zambia, Zambia Community Health Initiative, Veterinary Association of Zambia, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia and University of Zambia. There was also participation from WHO Zambia Country office, Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, independent consultants etc. 

The workshop was held over 1.5 days. While day 1 was focused on listening views and perspectives on AMR scenario from Zambian stakeholders, day 2 was largely devoted to working group sessions wherein, experts worked in groups to scope out gaps and challenges; priority areas and mitigation strategies w.r.t. Zambia’s NAP-AMR implementation.There were presentations from stakeholders (belonging to health, animal husbandry, food, drugs, and environment sectors) on current trends of antibiotic use and AMR situation in Zambia, different policies and regulations which are in place and their status of implementation. Deliberations at the workshop highlighted the need for addressing the animal and environmental aspects of AMR during NAP-AMR implementation, increased coordination among stakeholders, greater focus on necessary laws and policies and an integrated AMR surveillance plan for Zambia.

For more details please contact

Dr. Rajeshwari Sinha
Deputy Programme Manager
Food Safety and Toxins Programme
Centre for Science and Environment
Email: s_rajeshwari@cseindia.org