Date: 12th February 2025

The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), held a two-day Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Surveillance Strategic Plan Validation Meeting at the View Hotel, City Hall. The goal was to finalize the plan to address antimicrobial resistance in the country.

Key stakeholders from various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and veterinary medicine under the One Health approach, attended the meeting to provide input and ensure a comprehensive approach to combating AMR. The strategic plan outlines specific actions and interventions to promote the responsible use of antibiotics and reduce the spread of resistant bacteria in Sierra Leone. It also focuses on strengthening surveillance systems to monitor antibiotic use and resistance patterns, as well as improving infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings.

On the final day, participants were divided into three groups to review the document before it is validated by key stakeholders in the country. Each group was tasked with providing feedback and suggestions for improvement to ensure that the strategic plan is robust and effectively addresses the challenges of AMR in Sierra Leone. The collaborative effort between different sectors and experts will be crucial in implementing sustainable solutions to combat AMR and protect public health. By bringing together experts from different fields, Sierra Leone aims to develop a holistic strategy that addresses AMR from multiple angles for long-term effectiveness.

For the NPHA, this validation meeting is of utmost importance. It signifies a milestone in our efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance by leveraging a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach. The plan's validation ensures that we have a well-rounded strategy to promote the responsible use of antibiotics and strengthen our surveillance systems. This initiative will bolster our capacity to monitor and manage antibiotic resistance, ultimately safeguarding public health in Sierra Leone.

By collaborating with the Ministry of Health and other key stakeholders, the NPHA reaffirms its commitment to addressing AMR and protecting the health of our communities.

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