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Precious Manomano Herald reporter
Zimbabwe will be hosting the annual World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) to be held in Harare from November 18-24 which aims to improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance.
It will be celebrated under the theme “Preventing antimicrobial resistance together.”’
High level delegates are expected from international organisations like the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), World Health Organisation (WHO), African Union, among others.
This year’s celebration is dedicated to showcasing the value of the One Health approach in preventing AMR in Africa and highlight the progressive collaboration between the AfricaQuadripartite and AU Agencies on combating AMR.
Zimbabwe is recognized for its active role in combating AMR, through Government intervention and its partners such as the Multi-Party Trust Fund (MPTF) and Fleming Fund.
A notable success story is the preliminary production of the Bolvac vaccine, against theileriosis.
The objective is to improve awareness and understanding by disseminating and transferring knowledge of AMR among all stakeholders, with focus on the youth and public education sectors.
The commemorations also seek to encourage best practices among the public, One Health stakeholders and policymakers in reducing the further emergence and spread of AMR, with emphasis on the emerging animal production sector.
Antimicrobial agents, including antibiotics, have saved millions of lives, substantially reducing the burden of diseases in people and animals, improving quality of life, contributing to better food security and safety, and aiding increased life expectancy.
Dr Tinashe Hodobo of the Veterinary Services Department said:
”This has been running for several years. It is a recurring event on the UN calendar and globally we commemorate the event from November 18-24. This year commemorations are in Zimbabwe. There are several activities lined up for the week starting from Saturday to Friday next week. Students from Zimbabwe and Zambia will have debates. On Monday, we will have the high level delegation session where we expect Government Ministers to participate.’’
Online Reporter