Ethiopia moves to enhance AMR National Action Plan implementation through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) organised a ground-breaking workshop on Public – Private Partnerships (PPPs) in implementation of National Action Plans (NAP) on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), held  in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from April 16 to 19, 2024. This initiative aimed at strengthening Ethiopia’s battle against AMR as a key step towards increasing collaboration and innovation in the fight against AMR.

Forty-eight (48) participants, drawn from diverse sectors and regions of Ethiopia, representing animal health, human health, food safety, and the environment were involved in the workshop. This was purposed to align with the principles of the One Health multisectoral approach with the aim of increasing investment and innovation in AMR-NAP implementation.

The workshop promoted collaboration among stakeholders through group discussions and activities, participants identified areas for improvement in the operational plan and investigated how PPP integration could improve implementation across strategic goals. These recommendations represent a joint effort to leverage collaborations for long-term AMR prevention and containment initiatives.

During the workshop’s opening ceremony, remarks by Dr Wubishet Zewdie Wakene, Lead Executive Officer for Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fishery Sector Development, Ethiopia, Dr Getnet Mekonnen, Deputy Director of the Ethiopian Animal Health Institute (AHI) and Dr Jane Lwoyero (WOAH) highlighted the significance of PPPs in the implementation of the AMR prevention and containment strategic plan, alongside updates on ongoing activities. A unanimous agreement on the heightened necessity of PPPs to facilitate the strategic plan’s implementation was made.

Mr Tenaw Andualem Tadege, AMR programme lead at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Ethiopia country office and the AMR-MPTF project coordinator, presented achievements made under the AMR-MPTF project from 2021 to 2024 and shared the state of play in Ethiopia. Mr. Mengistab Teferi, the World Health Organisation (WHO) AMR-MPTF project lead presented the operational plan for the Ethiopian One Health Strategic plan for the containment and prevention of AMR.

Way Forward

From the workshop, participants were able to consolidate areas to progress with, including:

• Implementation: Armed with newfound knowledge and a spirit of collaboration, participants are poised to implement PPPs effectively, thereby advancing the goals of the AMR Prevention and Containment Strategic Plan (2021–2025). Continued support from the Tripartite—WOAH, FAO and WHO—is essential in translating proposals into actionable initiatives.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Ongoing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will be crucial in assessing the impact of PPPs on AMR NAP implementation. Regular reviews and feedback loops will enable stakeholders to adjust strategies and ensure alignment with evolving needs and priorities.
• Resource Mobilisation: Participants emphasized the need for support in developing PPP proposals for funding in identified areas. The Tripartite’s assistance in navigating funding opportunities and facilitating partnerships with donors will be instrumental in securing resources for sustainable AMR initiatives.
• Knowledge Sharing: A commitment to knowledge sharing and best practices exchange will underpin continued progress in AMR prevention and containment. Platforms for collaboration, such as workshops, forums, and online networks, will facilitate ongoing learning and innovation among stakeholders.

With strengthened partnerships and enhanced capacities, stakeholders are poised to drive meaningful change in the implementation of the AMR Prevention and Containment Strategic Plan (2021–2025). By harnessing the power of public-private collaboration, Ethiopia is paving the way for a healthier future, not only for its citizens but also for global communities facing the threat of antimicrobial resistance.