“ANTIBIOTIC ALERT: Zimbabwe Battles AMR Time Bomb as Superbugs Threaten to Render Lifesaving Drugs Powerless”
By Desire Tshuma
Harare – As the world commemorates World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week, observed annually from November 18 to 24, Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. The country’s Infection Control Association (ICAZ) is at the forefront of educating the public about the dangers of misusing antibiotics.
This year’s World AMR Awareness Week theme, “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,” underscores the urgent need for collective action against AMR. In an interview with this publication, Chipo Gwayagwaya (pictured), IPC specialist , emphasized the importance of responsible antibiotic use. “Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) involves using evidence-based practices and procedures to minimize the risk of infection transmission in healthcare and community settings. It’s crucial because it protects patients, healthcare workers, and visitors from harmful infections and helps combat the spread of antibiotic resistance,” she said.
Gwayagwaya’s concerns are echoed by recent studies, which have shown high levels of multi-drug resistant bacteria circulating in Zimbabwe’s environment, food chain, and community. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that AMR could claim 10 million lives annually by 2050, with a cumulative global cost of $100 trillion.
Infection Control Association Of Zimbabwe Trust has been doing capacity building through, training and education, mentorship and site support visits , hand hygiene, surveillance and outbreak prevention and management.
Infection Control Association Of Zimbabwe Trust has also been working with other partners and contributed to the development of ; I PC policies, guidelines and standard operating procedures . IPC training curriculum that includes organising biennial conferences on IPC and AMR and IEC materials on IPC & AMR to raise awareness.
“AMR is not something we created on our own, but we are certainly contributing to its spread through our own actions,” elaborates Gwayagwaya.
As Zimbabwe intensifies its fight against AMR, Gwayagwaya urges citizens to take responsibility for their actions. “Knowledge is power, and in this case, knowledge saves lives. We must work together to ensure antibiotics remain effective for future generations,” she said.
