Dear Editor,
The rise of superbugs presents a significant global health challenge for the 21st century[1]. The use of antimicrobial agents in animals poses a serious threat to global public health due to the emergence of resistant pathogens[2].This rapid emergence is attributed to the inappropriate use (overuse, misuse, and abuse) of antimicrobial agents in humans and animals[1]. It is projected that by 2050, antimicrobial resistance could result in approximately 10 million deaths annually, with about half (4.15 million) of these deaths occurring in Africa[3].This is in addition to the substantial economic losses in the livestock industry.
The 7th annual report by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) on the use of antimicrobial agents in animals reveals a notable 13% global decrease in antimicrobial use in animals (which account for 65% of the global animal biomass) from 2017 to 2019. However, it's concerning that Africa experienced a 45% increase in antimicrobial use during the same period. This trend poses a significant threat to public health in Africa, particularly in the fight against superbugs. Another worrying finding was that, only 51% of WOAH African members provided validated data on antimicrobial quantities intended for use in animals. Although 86% of the estimated data coverage was reported by 28 countries, only 24% of the member countries reported the use of antimicrobial agents as growth promoters[4]. The lack of comprehensive data suggests that the actual usage could be higher, highlighting the need for relevant authorities to enhance data collection efforts to bridge the information gap.
The utilization of antimicrobial agents as growth promoters has been a significant factor contributing to the emergence of resistant pathogens across the animal, human, and environmental sectors. It is encouraging to note that 27 out of 42 (65%) African WOAH members do not employ antimicrobials as growth promoters, signaling a positive step in the right direction. However, further efforts are required to raise awareness among community and traditional leaders, livestock farmers, para-veterinarians, and veterinarians. Public media channels such as radio, TV, and print media can be effectively utilized to educate the public about the public health risks associated with the use of antimicrobial agents as growth promoters, highlight alternative methods to improve animal production without relying on antimicrobials, the concept of one health, and significance of adopting and adhering to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) stewardship programs. Mass communication has the potential to effectively increase awareness and impact behavioral change in low and middle-income countries. This is particularly significant as various factors associated with patients and the community play a crucial role in driving irrational antimicrobial use and drug resistance.
The threat posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to public health in Africa cannot be overstated, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach and advocacy by all stakeholders (One Health approach) to address this issue.
The author declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the publication of this article.
The author received no financial support for the research and/or publication of this article.
AMR: Antimicrobial Resistance
WOAH: World Organization for Animal Health
1.Ting S, Pereira A, Alves AdJ, Fernandes S, Soares CdC, Soares FJ, Henrique OdC, Davis S, Yan J, Francis JR, et al. Antimicrobial Use in Animals in Timor-Leste Based on Veterinary Antimicrobial Imports between 2016 and 2019. Antibiotics 2021; 10:426. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10040426
2.Azabo R, Mshana S, Matee M, Kimera SI. Antimicrobial usage in cattle and poultry production in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: pattern and quantity. BMC Veterinary Research 2022; 18:7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-021-03056-9
3.Odetokun IA, Akpabio U, Alhaji NB, Biobaku KT, Oloso NO, Ghali-Mohammed I, Biobaku AJ, Adetunji VO, Fasina F.O. Knowledge of Antimicrobial Resistance among Veterinary Students and Their Personal Antibiotic Use Practices: A National Cross-Sectional Survey. Antibiotics 2019; 8(4): 243.https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics8040243
4.WOAH. Annual Report on Antimicrobial Agents Intended for use in Animals, 7th Report 2022. Available from:https://amu.woah.org/amu-system-portal/cms/view/44dac06f-51b6-44b0-a873-2920826ccf08/b1455796-2dbd-475d-ad67-6f222e1b9691/public