National AMR context
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing burden on Uganda’s health system and economy, since infections due to drug-resistant bacteria have led to increased morbidity and mortality, as well as increased healthcare costs. Human, animal and ecosystems are interlinked and therefore actions against AMR require a One Health approach.
“Antimicrobial resistance is now a global health concern and innovations to foster antimicrobial stewardship in food animals are pertinent to this cause. We pledge Government commitment to support the ICARS project in Uganda.’’ – Dr. Peter Wanyama, Assistant Commissioner, NADDEC-MAAIF
Problem
The poultry sector plays a key role in urban livelihoods ensuring food security for the population. Non-prudent use of antibiotics in this sector increases the risk of consuming unsafe meat, with presence of drug residues in meat. One study reported that 95% of poultry farmers in urban and peri-urban areas use antibiotics on a regularly basis [1]. Another study carried out in Kampala reported that 60% of farmers used enrofloxacin and that drug residues above the recommended maximum residue limits were identified in 35.3% of broiler chicken meat and 38.2% of the liver tissues [2]. However, few studies have been carried out to determine the magnitude of antibiotic use and drug residues in poultry products despite the significant public health risks [3]. Antimicrobial stewardship strategies in Uganda’s poultry sector are therefore critical. Human behaviour significantly influences the use of antibiotics in food production, requiring a multi-faceted approach with targeted interventions to influence behaviour change.
Project overview
This project intends to identify the behavioural influences and socio-cultural drivers underlying unnecessary antibiotic use and propose context-based interventions with the highest potential to influence behaviour. In addition, the project will explore the feasibility and co-design of a meat residue-free certification system customized for smallholder and medium-sized poultry farmers in Uganda to promote antimicrobial stewardship.
“We are excited about this project that aims to improve antimicrobial stewardship while also create economic incentives for farmers. This combined approach is key to building sustainable solutions to antimicrobial resistance. The project is also a great opportunity for the country team to put into practice what they have recently learned in an ICARS-supported training on behaviour change.” – Dr Rodolphe Mader, Science Advisor: Veterinary Sciences, ICARS
Intended outcomes
- Baseline data collected on antibiotic use, meat drug residues and farm economics.
- Behavioral influences that drive antibiotic use are identified.
- Context-based interventions to promote the prudent use of antibiotics are identified.
- Feasibility assessment for a meat residue-free certification system.
- Full future project proposal submitted to ICARS to test an antimicrobial stewardship intervention.
[1] Mbatidde, I., et al., Antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli in semi-intensive and free-range poultry farms in Uganda. One Health, 2024. 18: p. 100762.
[2] Munanura, E.I., et al., Assessment of enrofloxacin usage and residue levels of enrofloxacin-ciprofloxacin in breast and liver tissues of commercial broilers sold in Kampala-Uganda. Infection and Drug Resistance, 2023: p. 7629-7639.
[3] Majalija, S., et al., Antimicrobial usage by small‐scale commercial poultry farmers in mid‐Western district of Masindi Uganda: patterns, public health implications, and antimicrobial resistance of E. coli. Veterinary Medicine International, 2023. 2023(1): p. 6644271.
