Opening remarks were delivered by representatives from each of the Quadripartite organizations: Esther Dsani (FAO RAF), Levis Kavagi (UNEP), Walter Fuller (WHO AFRO), and Jane Lwoyero (WOAH), who collectively reinforced the central role of governance and multisectoral collaboration in addressing AMR. The session subsequently featured country experiences from Ethiopia, Ghana, Madagascar, Senegal, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, showcasing diverse governance models and lessons learned.
Ethiopia demonstrated the value of institutionalized One Health coordination structures, supported by a formally established AMR Coordinating Committee and a dedicated secretariat. While strong progress has been made in governance, surveillance, and legal frameworks, the country identified the need for more consistent technical working group engagement and stronger accountability mechanisms.
Ghana presented its experience in building a functional governance architecture anchored by an inter-ministerial committee, a National Platform for AMR, and a dedicated AMR Secretariat. The country highlighted advances in integrated surveillance systems and digital data-sharing platforms while emphasizing the continued need for sustainable domestic financing and stronger accountability structures.
Madagascar shared the results of a simplified One Health governance assessment that identified notable strengths in environmental governance and integrated surveillance. The assessment also revealed persistent challenges related to financing, institutional accountability, and stakeholder mobilization, providing a clear roadmap for future improvements.
Senegal highlighted its robust institutional framework, led by the High National Council for One Health Security and a multisectoral AMR Technical Working Group. The country showcased extensive stakeholder engagement and strong legal foundations while acknowledging challenges related to integrated reporting, data sharing, and reliance on external funding sources.
Kenya emphasized the role of its National Antimicrobial Stewardship Interagency Committee (NASIC) in driving One Health coordination. Presenters noted important progress in environmental governance and surveillance while identifying financing, data integration, and institutional accountability as areas requiring further strengthening.
Zimbabwe provided practical examples of how effective governance structures can translate into action on the ground. Through initiatives such as farmer field schools, surveillance of substandard veterinary medicines, vaccine development, and resource mobilization, the country demonstrated how One Health governance can drive measurable public and animal health outcomes.
Across all presentations, several common themes emerged. Countries consistently highlighted the importance of formal multisectoral coordination mechanisms, sustainable domestic financing, integrated surveillance systems, meaningful stakeholder engagement, and accountability frameworks that ensure implementation of national commitments. While substantial progress has been achieved through AMR-MPTF support, participants agreed that sustained political commitment and investment remain essential to ensure long-term success.
Several tangible achievements demonstrated how strengthened One Health governance can translate into real-world impact. Ethiopia established a fully functional national AMR coordination platform with representation from all key sectors and integrated AMR into successive National Action Plans. Ghana institutionalized an AMR Secretariat and inter-ministerial governance structure while advancing integrated surveillance and digital data-sharing systems. Madagascar successfully embedded environmental health within national AMR governance, developed integrated surveillance mechanisms, and strengthened coordination across human, animal, and environmental sectors. Senegal operationalized a high-level One Health governance framework through the High National Council for Health Security and established multisectoral technical working groups that bring together government, academia, professional bodies, and civil society. Kenya strengthened national and county-level coordination structures, expanded environmental participation through inclusion of water and environmental authorities in AMR surveillance, and advanced development of integrated monitoring systems. Zimbabwe showcased perhaps the most visible implementation outcomes, including farmer field schools that reduced antimicrobial use in poultry production, surveillance systems for substandard veterinary medicines, domestic vaccine production initiatives, strengthened laboratory networks, and the successful mobilization of over USD 25 million from multiple international funding mechanisms. Collectively, these achievements illustrate a regional shift from siloed AMR activities toward operational One Health governance systems capable of driving surveillance, policy implementation, resource mobilization, and sustainable action against antimicrobial resistance.
Dr. Walter Fuller from the WHO Regional Office for Africa concluded the webinar, highlighting a renewed commitment to regional collaboration and peer-to-peer learning. By sharing practical solutions and governance innovations, participating countries demonstrated that strengthening One Health governance is not only possible but essential for addressing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance across Africa.
As countries continue implementing their National Action Plans and advancing commitments made under the 2024 United Nations General Assembly Political Declaration on AMR, the lessons shared during this webinar offer valuable guidance for strengthening governance systems, accelerating implementation, and safeguarding the effectiveness of antimicrobials for future generations.
About the AMR Multi-Partner Trust Fund (AMR-MPTF)
The AMR Multi-Partner Trust Fund is a global financing mechanism established by the Quadripartite organizations (FAO, UNEP, WHO, and WOAH) to support countries in implementing multisectoral One Health responses to antimicrobial resistance. Through catalytic investments, the fund strengthens governance, surveillance, stewardship, awareness, and national coordination mechanisms, enabling countries to translate AMR National Action Plans into tangible action and sustainable impact.