Ouagadougou: Two organizations in Burkina Faso have joined forces to raise awareness about the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The Burkinabe Network for Research and the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance (RAM-Burkina) and Youth Actions Against Antimicrobial Resistance (AJRAM) have collaborated with the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (ANRP) and the Laboratory of Emerging and Re-emerging Pathogens (LaPathER) to organize a public forum focused on this pressing health concern.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event took place in Ouagadougou on Saturday, November 22, 2025, as part of efforts to increase public understanding of AMR ahead of World Awareness Week. Under the theme "Act now: protect our present, secure our future," the forum featured presentations by Dr. Souleymane Sore, Michel Rouamba, Dr. Cendrine Kabre/Ouedraogo, and Abdoulaye Minougou, who highlighted the current situation, challenges, and future prospects related to AMR in Burkina Faso.
The speakers emphasized that AMR is not a future threat but a current issue undermining modern medicine. They expressed concern over its impact on human, animal, and environmental health, noting that it poses a significant threat to the survival of humanity, especially in developing countries like Burkina Faso. Therese Nana, interim executive secretary of One Health, stressed the abuse of antimicrobials in various sectors, including human and animal health.
Nana highlighted that antibiotics are often misused, with individuals purchasing them without prescriptions and using them in livestock to promote growth rather than treat illness. This misuse represents a major public health issue, as the same antibiotics are used across both human and animal health sectors. She called for a unified approach to safeguard future generations.
Dr. Issaka Soulama, Director General of the ANRP, pointed out that the forum aimed to engage both technical experts and the general population. He emphasized the importance of discussing RAM-related issues with professionals and associations involved in combating this challenge. Dr. Soulama shared that a RAM action plan for 2024-2026 has been developed to address the objectives set by the country.
The forum served as a platform for stakeholders to exchange the latest information on AMR and reinforce their commitment to tackling this global health threat.