Eritrea conducted a workshop on Stakeholders on the process for the development and implementation of National Action Plan for the Prevention and Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance using the “One Health Approach” on April 2017 at Embassoira Hotel in Asmara.

Antimicrobial resistance happens when microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites) change when they are exposed to antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and anthelmintics). Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as “superbugs”. As a result, the medicines become ineffective and infections persist in the body, increasing the risk of spread to others.
Mr Berhane Gebretensae, Director General of Medical Services welcomed the participants of the workshop and officially opened the workshop. He highlighted that Antimicrobial Resistance has become a major global concern by undermining the advances made in health and medicine which put the gain of the MDGs at risk and endangers achievement of the SDGs. He also pointed out that WHO developed a global action plan in consultation with member states and stakeholders; it is also working closely with FAO and OIE (WHO for Animal Health) in a ‘One Health’ approach to promote best practices and to avoid the emergence and spread of AMR, including optimal use of antibiotics both humans and animals. Furthermore, he emphasized that Eritrea as a member state of the WHO has also a responsibility to develop a national action plan on AMR and to realize this objective the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture have been working in a coordinated manner and this workshop is a continuation of the joint activities. Mr Berhane also recognized the presence of Prof. Tadesse Mehari from Higher Education Commission and thanked WHO for the continual support.
That was followed by a short presentation by Mr Amanuel Negassi, Director General, and Adviser to the Hon. Minister of Agriculture on the objectives of the workshop and said that this workshop was important in ensuring continuity of successful treatment and prevention of infectious diseases, using in a responsible way, effective and safe medicines that are quality-assured, and accessible to all who need them.
There were also video shows on what causes antibiotic resistance which was wisely selected in terms of significance  to AMR and more weight was also given by the participants.
At the workshop, there were plenty of extensive resourceful presentations by various participants. The participants were drawn from MOH, WHO, MOA, National Medicine Food and Administration (NMFA), National Commission for Higher Education (NCHE),  Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resource (MOFMR), Ministry of Justice (MOJ), FAO, MOE, Eritrean Institute of Technology. They were also given chances for questions, answers and discussions.
During the workshop, the WHO Representative to Eritrea, Dr Josephine Namboze thanked the Interim core team for the two months continuous effort and to all stakeholders attending this workshop. She highlighted that the studies done are for the 3rd generation on antibiotics. She added that if nothing is done antibiotics can be at risk of becoming ineffective with no other alternatives. She also hoped to finalize the whole process for Eritrea in a short time even if it is a long journey. Dr Josephine assured the participants that WHO will keep providing support.
Finally five technical working groups were established and identified the strategic objectives as well as activities.
In his closing remarks Mr Amanuel Negassi, Director General, and Adviser to the Minister of Agriculture said “This is a start for a long journey.” He thanked the participants for their active participation and commitment.

BELOW:

1. Group Photo of the participants
2. The WHO Representative, Dr Josephine Namboze highlighting some of the challenges of AMR