International Conference Addresses Antimicrobial Resistance in Africa

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UKZN’s College of Health Sciences hosted an international conference on Antibiotic Stewardship and Conservation in Africa.

The conference – organised by South African Research Chair (SARChI) in Antibiotic Resistance and One Health, Professor Sabiha Essack – highlighted research on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and stewardship (AMS) in Africa, showcasing the results of the project funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation on Antibiotic Stewardship and Conservancy in Africa.

The gathering also explored more broadly the unique African face of AMR and AMS in the One Health approach.

Antibiotics, the drugs used for fighting infections caused by bacteria, reduce illnesses and even death from infectious diseases, however, although they have many beneficial effects, their overuse may result in the problem of antibiotic resistance: a global pandemic that needs global solutions.

Essack, who established UKZN’s Antimicrobial Research Unit, said antibiotic resistance occurred when bacteria were unaffected by the antibiotics used to treat the infections they cause. The bacteria survive and continue to increase in number, causing complications.

‘The project has an overarching aim of human capital and research development in a global health priority – the optimal management of infections in the context of antimicrobial stewardship and conservation – by conducting research and generating evidence on the nature and extent of AMR to inform context-specific interventions for its containment in the One Health Approach,’ said Essack. 

The aim of the four-day conference held on the Westville campus was to bring together both local and international leaders in the field to showcase novel and innovative research and solutions to AMR.

A variety of international and South African delegates attended.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Supplied