The fight against AMR requires consolidated and sustained efforts.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, with a pronounced impact in Africa. The FIP Roadmaps for 2024-2028 provide a comprehensive strategy for pharmacists to actively combat AMR through targeted actions and policies. 

KEY POINTS OF THE FIP ROADMAPS 2024-2028 

• Global health commitment: Establishing robust national action plans on AMR is imperative. WHO recommendations stress that at least 70% of antibiotics used should be from the WHO Access Group Antibiotics, emphasising minimal side effects and low potential to cause resistance. 
• Pharmacists’ role in AMS: Pharmacists play a critical role in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). The FIP Development Goal 17 highlights the need for pharmacists to engage in educational and training programs aimed at reducing AMR. 
• Multifaceted approach: Strategies include integrating AWaRe categorisation into national treatment guidelines, advocating for economic models to support antimicrobial R&D, and developing public health education campaigns. 

MAJOR CONCERNS IN THE AFRICAN REGION 

• Regulatory enforcement: Strengthening legislative and regulatory controls concerning the lifecycle of antimicrobial medicines is crucial. 
• Surveillance: Implementing robust surveillance programmes to monitor and report antimicrobial use and resistance patterns is necessary. 
• Education and public health campaigns: Educating healthcare providers and the public about AMR and running public health campaigns to promote responsible antimicrobial usage. 

STRATEGIES FOR AFRICA 

• Authorised procurement: Ensuring antimicrobials are procured through authorised channels to maintain quality and safety. 
• AMS implementation: Encouraging the implementation of AMS programmes at all levels, including local, regional, and national. 
• Involvement in immunisation programmes: Pharmacists should collaborate with competent authorities to support national immunisation programmes, crucial for preventing infections and curbing AMR. 
• Point-of-care diagnostics: Promoting the use of diagnostic tools to differentiate between bacterial and viral infections, thereby informing effective antimicrobial therapy. 
• Public and professional education: Providing updated information on AMR, antimicrobial use, and AMS to prescribers, healthcare professionals, and the public. 
• Proper disposal of antimicrobials: Developing return and disposal programmes for unused or expired antimicrobials to prevent environmental contamination. 

ROLES FOR PHARMACISTS 

• Stewardship programmes: Engaging in AMS programmes to optimise antimicrobial use and discourage misuse. 
• Counselling: Offering appropriate counselling to patients on the use of antimicrobial medicines, ensuring adherence and monitoring for effectiveness. 
• Regulatory compliance: Enforcing and adhering to regulations that prevent the sale of antimicrobials without a prescription. 

OVERARCHING THEMES 

The FIP Roadmaps call for a coordinated effort involving pharmacists, healthcare professionals, governments, and international organisations. Key themes include enhancing awareness and education on AMR, strengthening global and national action plans, fostering interprofessional collaboration, and adopting environmentally conscious practices. Pharmacists, as frontline healthcare providers, have a pivotal role in mitigating AMR through education, stewardship, and advocacy.