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The Zambian government has intensified surveillance and monitoring of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by implementing microbiology programmes in all health facilities.
University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Antimicrobial Stewardship Chairperson, Dr. Duncan Chanda, said the government was also developing guidelines to promote responsible antibiotic use in hospitals and communities.
He made these remarks on the sidelines of a one-day engagement workshop of the Commonwealth Partnerships for Antimicrobial Stewardship (CwPAMS) in Lusaka.
While progress has been made, Chanda noted that much work remained to address the complex challenge of AMR.
He said microbiology programmes had already been launched at three hospitals: UTH in Lusaka, Ndola Teaching Hospital on the Copperbelt, and Kalindawalo Hospital in Eastern Province.
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“Zambia has implemented programmes to combat AMR as outlined in the National Action Plan,” Chanda said, adding that the government was strengthening coordination among key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, and public health institutions.
The Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) is leading these efforts, ensuring effective implementation and monitoring of AMR initiatives.
He pointed out that national policy on AMR had also been established to improve awareness, surveillance, and antibiotic stewardship.
Chanda said laboratories were being upgraded to enhance diagnostic capacity and surveillance, with support from international partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO).
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