Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana took a united step against antimicrobial resistance under the theme Act Now, Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future. The event marked a national call to protect the health of people, animals and the environment.
A key moment of the day was the signing of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance. Three ministers signed the plan, confirming government commitment to a coordinated response. The Minister of Health Dr Stephen Modise, Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture Dr Edwin G. Dikoloti and Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs Hon. Ignatius Moswaane signed the document in Palapye. Their action showed a clear commitment to the One Health approach and set the foundation for a unified national strategy.
In their remarks, the ministers urged the public to use medicines as prescribed. They stressed the need for awareness because antimicrobial resistance continues to rise. Data from the World Health Organization shows that bacterial antimicrobial resistance caused 1.27 million deaths worldwide in 2019 and contributed to about 5 million more. Botswana currently ranks antimicrobial resistance as its leading public health threat and its sixth leading cause of mortality.
Speakers explained that antimicrobial resistance grows due to misuse of antibiotics for viral infections like colds and flu, failure to complete treatment, overuse in livestock and agriculture and improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste. These factors create conditions where microbes become resistant to treatment.
The event brought together ministries and key partners. The National Agricultural Research and Development Institute, the Botswana Vaccine Institute, the Botswana UPenn Partnership and the African Comprehensive HIV and AIDS Partnerships set up interactive stalls. These stalls helped the community understand how their daily actions affect antimicrobial resistance.
The day began with a community health walk. Participants filled the streets with energy and a shared purpose. The walk reflected a strong national commitment to protect health and strengthen awareness.
Botswana’s actions show that the country is ready to confront antimicrobial resistance with clear coordination and public involvement.
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