Building resilience: addressing climate change and AMR in Sub-Saharan Africa

By Conor O’Brien & Emily Carter, McCann Global Health 

On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), IPG Health, in collaboration with experts from AMREF, GSK, Wellcome Trust and the UN Foundation, convened a panel to discuss the intersection of climate change, health and AMR, focusing on strategies to build resilience, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Moderated by Sommer Bazuro, PhD, Chief Medical Officer of IPG Health, the conversation explored the need for more robust research, infrastructure, public awareness and partnerships to combat AMR in a world increasingly affected by climate change. 

An image of the five panelists standing smiling for a photo. From left to right: AMREF’s Jackline Kiarie, the United Nations Foundation’s Dr. Ahmed Ogwell, IPG Health’s Chief Medical Officer Sommer Bazuro, GSK’s Fiona Smith-Laittan, and Wellcome Trust’s Jeremy Knox

The growing AMR threat 

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a critical global health challenge that arises when bacteria evolve to resist the effects of antibiotics designed to kill them. The development of AMR is driven by overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals, as well as lack of sanitation or inadequate access to clean water. In 2019, drug-resistant infections caused over 1.27 million deaths. Sub-Saharan Africa bears the highest AMR mortality rates- children in Sub-Saharan Africa are 58 times more likely to die from AMR than those in high-income countries.  

Climate change is further compounding this issue. Climate-induced increases in foodborne and waterborne diseases can exacerbate antibiotic misuse, driving resistance. For instance, contaminated water from floods may lead to more bacterial infections, increasing demand for antibiotics and the risk of drug-resistant bacteria. 

Addressing key unmet needs in Sub-Saharan Africa 

Dr. Ahmed Ogwell of the UN Foundation identified three key areas where Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges in tackling AMR: knowledge, infrastructure and funding. These areas require urgent attention through strategic partnerships. 

One of the biggest obstacles is a lack of awareness and understanding of AMR among both healthcare providers and the general population. Jackline Kiarie of AMREF highlighted this issue, stating, “Over 50% of our healthcare workers are not even aware that we have AMR policies in place. We are doing well at the global level in creating policies, but very little effort is being made to ensure they are implemented locally.” 

Jackline Kiarie, AMREF, speaking during the panel discussion

Jackline Kiarie, AMREF

Dr. Ogwell added, “Our clinicians, whether human or animal health specialists, need to be exposed to the most current information on AMR. Without this knowledge, drug-resistant bacteria can circulate undetected for far too long. This is why training programs that focus on health literacy, that take into account local cultural norms, are crucial in changing behaviors at the community level.” 

Solutions through partnership and innovation 

Partnerships at the global, regional and local levels are critical. Smith-Laittan stressed that AMR is a universal problem: “It’s not just a scientist’s problem; it’s everyone’s problem. Solving it will require partnerships and clear, united goals.”  

Fiona Smith-Laittan, VP of Global Health at GSK, underscored the private sector’s responsibility, saying, “The biggest impact we can have is through our own innovation. New vaccines, new medicines—ensuring we are developing new tools so that when old ones fail, we have alternatives.” 

An image of Fiona Smith-Laittan, GSK, speaking into a microphone

Fiona Smith-Laittan, GSK

Organizations like the Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership exemplify the importance of these collaborations. GARDP works with governments, pharmaceutical companies and civil society, to bring new antibiotics to market and ensure access for those most in need. Panelists also mentioned the AMR Action Fund, a fund that helps create the market incentives for antibiotic R&D.  

Local governments and NGOs are also pivotal in addressing AMR through grassroots advocacy and education. For instance, GSK has been partnering with AMREF for 35 years, bringing funding and expertise to communities that are closest to the issues. Panelists noted that educating young people and involving them in advocacy efforts are essential to sustaining momentum in the fight against AMR.  

A global issue demanding a coordinated response 

AMR is a global crisis, affecting every country, from antibiotic-resistant infections in New York to the challenges faced in Sub-Saharan Africa. The need for a coordinated, well-resourced global response has never been more urgent. Closing knowledge gaps, developing infrastructure and securing sufficient funding are key steps.  

Sommer concluded with a powerful summary of the discussion: “We've learned that education [of HCPs and public] with the appropriate health literacy lens and the cultural lens is going to be incredibly important. We’ve learned that we must partner cross functionally to get things done.” Solving these issues will require not only scientific innovation and healthcare improvements but also a comprehensive, coordinated global strategy that prioritizes partnerships and education at all levels. 

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