Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to pose one of the gravest threats to global health, food security, and sustainable development goal. But from within this global challenge, Africa is emerging as a beacon of progress. According to the latest 9th Annual Antimicrobial Use (AMU) Report by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), Africa recorded a 20% reduction in antimicrobial use in animals between 2020 and 2022, one of the steepest declines worldwide.
This remarkable achievement highlights Africa’s growing commitment to responsible use of antimicrobials in the veterinary sector and reinforces the region’s momentum in tackling AMR through coordinated One Health action.
What might have enabled the 20% decline of AMU in Africa ?
- Effort of education and awareness
- Improved transparency on AMU (ANIMUSE)
- Improved prudent use of antimicrobials and implementation of international standards
- Strengthened coordination with WOAH regional and subregional offices
What does the data tell us
WOAH’s report, based on data collected through the ANIMUSE platform, provides a global snapshot of antimicrobial use in terrestrial and aquatic animals. Data from the 9th annual report shows that:
- Global AMU declined from 107.9 mg/kg in 2021 to 97 mg/kg in 2022.
- Africa recorded a 20% reduction, ahead of the Americas (-4%) and Asia and the Pacific (-2%), and closely behind Europe (-23%).
- Only 8% of antimicrobials used globally in animals are considered as highest priority critically important antimicrobials (HPCIAs) for human health. Africa remains a low user of these HPCIAs.
- Most antimicrobial use as growth promoters occurs in the Americas and Asia, Africa is not a key contributor to this practice, reflecting stronger alignment with responsible AMU policies.
Why does all this matter for the Africa region ?
This progress reflects more than just numbers. Reducing antimicrobial use means stronger animal health systems, better AMU surveillance, and more sustainable food production. It also helps to preserve the efficacy of life-saving medicines for both animals and humans.
AMR already causes over 1 million human deaths annually, and its rise within the animal production sectors could lead to massive food losses and food security crises, threatening the livelihoods of millions across the continent. By reducing AMU, Africa is acting early to prevent a deeper crisis.
How WOAH Africa is supporting the region
At WOAH Africa, this progress validates our partnerships with our Members, but it also highlights opportunities to go further. Here’s how we aim to build on this momentum:
- Scale Up Data Reporting and Transparency
We’ll continue helping our Member Countries and Territories (“Members”) to improve national AMU monitoring systems, enabling more countries to submit quantitative data annually through ANIMUSE. Countries are encouraged to publish national AMU reports and share the reports with their AMR colleagues across sectors. Members are also expected to use their own national data to develop policy briefs that will inform policy decisions for better regulation and use of antimicrobials.
- Promote Responsible Use Policies
Our technical officers in all four offices in Africa will provide technical support to draft national policies that restrict the use of growth promoters, and especially the use of HPCIA to preserve their efficacy.
- Strengthen Biosecurity and Prevention
We support the adoption of better animal husbandry practices, vaccination, and infection prevention measures that reduce the need for antimicrobials.
- One Health Advocacy at the Continental Level
Working with Africa-CDC, AU-IBAR, and Quadripartite partners, we’re aligning efforts under the continental One Health framework, advocating for cross-sectoral collaboration and investment.
- Build Capacity Through Training and Engagement
From veterinary policy workshops to community animal health workers training, we’re building a continent-wide culture of awareness, accountability, and action.
- Use the national data reported to ANIMUSE to convince decision makers to incorporate AMR interventions into related national strategies.
- Integrate ANIMUSE as a key indicator for monitoring antimicrobial use in AMR-National Action Plans. This will enable us to fulfil our commitments to the United Nations. Commitment No. 69 is to strive to significantly reduce the number of antimicrobials used globally in the agri-food system by 2030 compared to current levels.
What’s Next?
Africa’s 20% reduction is a sign that change is not only possible; it’s already happening. But as the report shows, more must be done to eliminate non-responsible practices, enhance surveillance, and ensure consistent policy implementation across the region.
We encourage all stakeholders, governments, veterinarians, farmers, civil society, and academia to stay engaged and use this data to drive evidence-based decisions that promote responsible and prudent use of antimicrobials to protect both animal and public health.
Areas that require improvement:
- AMU in aquatic food-producing animals.
- AMR and AMU in non-food producing animals (pets, horses,…).
