Government has called for urgent, multisectoral action to combat rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR), during the country’s first National AMR Scientific Conference being held in Harare.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Douglas T. Mombeshora, described AMR as “more than a health issue.”
“The fight against AMR will be won, not by one sector, but by all sectors working together, sharing knowledge and acting decisively. There is need for unity across government, research institutions, hospitals, and communities,” he said.
Citing the WHO GLASS 2025 report, Dr. Mombeshora warned that resistance to life-saving antibiotics is critically high and increasing globally.
“In Zimbabwe, our data show rising resistance among E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella, and Enterococcus species affecting both humans and animals.
Zimbabwe has expanded laboratory networks, strengthened infection prevention and control, improved hospital stewardship, and established multisectoral coordination mechanisms through its National Action Plans on AMR,” Minister Mombeshora noted.
He further emphasized that evidence-informed policy, research, and collaboration across sectors are central to combating AMR.
“Together, scientists, policymakers, and citizens can ensure that the age of effective antimicrobials does not end on our watch,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Agnes Mahomva, Public Health Advisor to the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) in her remarks at the Conference, announced the Cabinet-approved One Health Strategic Plan for 2026–2032, which will guide all One Health initiatives, including AMR.
“The plan adopts a broad approach, addressing tropical and vector-borne diseases, non-communicable diseases linked to environmental issues, and food safety and security.
The strategy emphasizes coordination, surveillance, prevention, sustainable financing, research and development, communication, advocacy, and capacity building,” she added
The event is expected to showcase innovations from laboratories, hospitals, and regulatory agencies, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s commitment to a coordinated, One Health approach in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
