ICARS co-hosts 10th ReAct Africa and South Centre Annual AMR Regional Conference in Zambia
From 11–12 June 2025, ICARS co-hosted and participated in the 10th ReAct Africa and South Centre Annual AMR Regional Conference, held in Lusaka, Zambia, under the theme “From Global to Local Action: Operationalising AMR Commitments in Africa and Beyond.” The event brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including government representatives, international and regional organisations, researchers, youth, civil society, and faith-based groups, all with the shared goal of transforming global and regional AMR commitments into actionable, country-led solutions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
ICARS Day: A space for collaboration and shared learning
Ahead of the main conference, ICARS convened a closed pre-conference event, ICARS Day, on 10 June. The session brought together project teams from across the African continent for structured peer engagement focused on enhancing collaboration, learning, and sustainability across ICARS-supported initiatives.
Participants explored project synergies, engaged in activities designed to define long-term success and identify barriers to sustainability, and discussed the development of a shared indicator framework. The day was also an opportunity to gather input on a forthcoming comprehensive Resource Guide for Sustainable AMR Solutions, funded by Wellcome and facilitated by One Health Development Initiative and Ducit Blue Foundation.
Opening reflections: From global commitments to local realities
The main conference opened with reflections from several leading figures in the AMR space. Professor Roma Chilengi, Director General of Zambia’s National Public Health Institute, officially opened the event, highlighting Zambia’s national leadership on AMR. Professor Mirfin Mpundu, Director of ReAct Africa, addressed the implications of shrinking development assistance on AMR programmes. Dr. Viviana Muñoz Tellez of the South Centre reflected on the importance of embedding global commitments, such as those made at the 2024 UN General Assembly and Jeddah Declaration, into local systems.
Throughout the day, sessions explored how social and structural determinants of health intersect with AMR and how regional mechanisms, such as those led by the Quadripartite organisations and Africa CDC, can support implementation at the country level. Poster presentations featured a range of ICARS-supported projects from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tunisia, and Tanzania, highlighting locally relevant research and implementation efforts.
Exploring cross-sectoral solutions and innovations
Day 2 of the conference included deep dives into the environmental and animal health dimensions of AMR. In a session moderated by Sunday Ochai, Dr. John Mumo and Dr. Lusthe King Abia Akebe stressed the ecological nature of AMR, calling for stronger integration of environmental issues into National Action Plans. Another session, led by Dr. Kaunda Yamba (ReAct) and Dr. Eric Muriungi (Commonwealth Partnerships), showcased innovative stewardship approaches, including behavioural interventions and digital tools.
Veterinary service delivery and surveillance were also in focus. Ethiopia’s digital tools for livestock disease tracking were presented, and ICARS-supported PhD candidate Fares Biginagwa shared findings on antimicrobial residues in poultry manure, an often-overlooked environmental AMR pathway.
Equity, inclusion, and sustainable implementation
Professor Mpundu delivered a compelling talk on the uneven impact of AMR across vulnerable populations, noting that those in poverty, conflict zones, and with chronic health conditions face heightened risks. Other sessions explored knowledge translation strategies for policymaking, youth involvement in AMR, and challenges in health financing. Dr. Ghada Zoubiane (LifeArc) underlined the importance of local ownership and innovation for sustainable programme funding.
A key milestone was the launch of Zambia’s National Action Plan Mid-Term Review, supported by WHO, the Government of Zambia, ReAct Africa, and the ECSA Health Community, marking an important step in adapting the national strategy based on progress to date.
Closing reflections and next steps
The conference concluded with a plenary on equitable access to AMR countermeasures in LMICs, led by Professor Marc Mendelson from the University of Cape Town and Dr. Harry Milala from Africa CDC. Their remarks emphasised the need for expanded access to effective antibiotics, diagnostics, and vaccines, as well as the importance of regional production and innovation.
ICARS extends sincere thanks to all organisers, partners, and participants who made the 10th ReAct Africa and South Centre Annual AMR Regional Conference a meaningful and collaborative experience. Over the course of two days, the rich exchange of knowledge and ideas highlighted the critical importance of context-specific, cross-sectoral approaches to advancing sustainable AMR action. ICARS is grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many dedicated individuals and institutions working to translate commitments into locally led, evidence-informed solutions.
Funded by Wellcome.