Summary & Key Points
"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a major public health issue, affects human, environmental, and animal health alike. AMR could cause millions of deaths in the coming years."
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a major public health issue, affects human, environmental, and animal health alike. AMR could cause millions of deaths in the coming years. As such, Working Group (WG) 8 of the IPORA consortium organized an interdisciplinary “educational workshop” to raise awareness among future doctors in biology, environmental science, and health about this threat to humanity.
Held within the “One Health” framework, this seminar took place from November 26 to 27, 2024, at the scientific campus of Félix Houphouët-Boigny University in Bingerville. It brought together about fifty participants, including Prof. Apollinaire Horo, Vice-Dean in charge of research at the UFR of Medical Sciences in Abidjan (UFR-SMA), Representative of the Director of UFR-SMA, the Executive Director of the PAC-CI Program, Dr. Moh, Prof. Sébastien Ahonzo-Niamké, Director of the ED-BES, Prof. Aristophane Tanon, Head of WG8 of IPORA, speakers, PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows.
Thus, before the official opening of this scientific seminar by the Dean of the UFR-SMA, Prof. Tanon highlighted the importance of the topic, noting that AMR represents a growing threat to public health.
This is why, drawing on the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, Côte d’Ivoire has developed a National Action Plan to Combat AMR, in addition to having a legislative, regulatory, and policy framework for overall health security management in human, animal, and environmental health, as well as in the agri-food sector.
However, implementing these regulatory measures remains a challenge; this contributes to maintaining a potential public health risk for populations. Improved hygiene and infection prevention measures are essential to limit the development and spread of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. Furthermore, infection prevention and control programs that include in-depth training for health personnel and community education are critical to effectively combating antimicrobial resistance in humans and animals throughout the food chain.
According to the Head of WG8 of IPORA, this fight now requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective antimicrobial management and the promotion of sustainable practices. The contributions of researchers, veterinarians, and health professionals at this seminar also aimed to foster interdisciplinary exchanges, learn to communicate simply, understand one another, identify shared interests or methodologies, and ultimately create interdisciplinary collaboration.
Over these two days, physicians, microbiologists, veterinarians, agricultural workers, environmental professionals, sociologists, and economists took turns addressing the audience with presentations on various topics related to the fight against AMR in Côte d’Ivoire.
On the first day, the focus was on critical issues related to AMR, including its causes, consequences, and possible solutions. Discussions after each presentation covered the need for responsible prescribing, the impact of AMR on animal and human health, and challenges related to the environment and agriculture.
The second day was devoted to social perceptions that play a key role in the inappropriate use of antimicrobials, while the economic impact of AMR underscores the urgency of government intervention.
These insightful and enriching analyses highlight the importance of an integrated and collaborative approach to counter this global health crisis, particularly in Côte d’Ivoire. Indeed, this research-based training approach enabled PhD students from the ED-BES to acquire the necessary knowledge to inspire their future research on AMR.
In the medium and long term, the results of this work will enable the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, the WHO, and the population to have factual data on the real impact of AMR on human health in the country. Ultimately, this should mobilize all stakeholders and secure significant financial resources to change public behavior regarding antimicrobial use.
Finally, the closing ceremony of this seminar concluded with the awarding of participation certificates to all attendees in recognition of their efforts and commitment.
