Dr Conrad Tumwine of CAMO-Net Uganda reports back after attending the inaugural East African Regional Global Health Security Summit 2025.
The inaugural East African Regional Global Health Security Summit 2025, held in Mombasa from 28–30 January, provided a platform for experts to discuss pressing health security challenges. One of the most pivotal breakout sessions, ‘Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare-Associated Infections: Countering an Emerging Threat’, examined the escalating global and regional crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and its profound impact on healthcare systems. The session brought together leading experts to explore strategies for surveillance, prevention, and control of AMR in East Africa.
The panel featured Evelyn Wesangula – Senior AMR Control Specialist at the East, Central, and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC), Dr Dathan Byonanebye – Deputy Head of the Global Health Security Department at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Rogers Kisame – Fleming Fund Programme Manager at Baylor Foundation, and Prof Samuel Kariuki – Continental Lead for Africa and Eastern Africa Director at the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi).
Discussions underscored the growing threat of AMR, highlighting how the misuse of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine has accelerated resistance. Panellists emphasised that AMR is not a distant concern but an urgent crisis, with drug-resistant infections already contributing to rising mortality rates. Strengthening AMR surveillance was identified as a critical priority, as many East African countries lack comprehensive data on resistance patterns. Without effective tracking systems, policymakers and healthcare providers struggle to implement targeted interventions.
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) were also recognised as a key driver of AMR, particularly in hospitals with inadequate infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. The session reinforced the need for improved hygiene standards, proper sterilisation of medical equipment, and robust antimicrobial stewardship programmes to limit the spread of drug-resistant infections in healthcare settings. Additionally, panellists stressed the importance of policy and innovation in addressing AMR, calling for greater investment in rapid diagnostic tools and alternative treatments, supported by private sector engagement.
Another key focus of the discussion was the role of research and academia in developing solutions to tackle AMR. Dr Dathan Byonanebye highlighted that data-driven policies and regional collaboration are essential for addressing the crisis. He stressed that research institutions must work alongside governments to invest in studies assessing AMR trends and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. Panellists urged governments to enforce stricter regulations on antibiotic use, integrate AMR control into national health policies, and foster global partnerships to drive innovation.
The session reinforced the urgency of action. Addressing AMR requires a coordinated approach combining education, diagnostics, and infrastructure investments with stronger partnerships and multisectoral collaboration. With public and private sector stakeholders committed to this effort, the path from discussion to meaningful action has never been clearer.
