Antimicrobial resistance in Africa: A Systematic Review

A recent public health–focused review has shed light on the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across Africa, emphasizing the urgent need for improved surveillance and data quality. Despite global recognition of AMR as a major threat, the review found that recent resistance data is unavailable for more than 40% of African countries.

Among nations with available data, resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics was found to be alarmingly high. The review also raised serious concerns about the quality and consistency of microbiological data, which hampers effective monitoring and policy planning.

Experts warn that unless gaps in AMR diagnostics, standardization, and reporting are urgently addressed, the effectiveness of existing antibiotics will continue to decline. The authors call for stronger data systems and optimized treatment guidelines to preserve the continent’s limited antibiotic arsenal.