By Michael Gwarisa
Zimbabwe requires approximately US$45 million to effectively implement Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) interventions over the next four years, HealthTimes has learned.
This was revealed during the official launch of the National Action Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance in Zimbabwe (NAP 2.0), where the Fleming Fund also announced an additional US$3.5 million in funding to address gaps in surveillance and improve the use of data for policymaking.
Officiating at the launch of the Zimbabwe One Health AMR National Action Plan 2.0 (2024-2028) and the Fleming Fund II Grant, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Health and Child Care, said more than 15,800 Zimbabweans died from AMR-related complications in 2019.
If we don’t act now, the cost will be devastating—not just in lives lost, but in livelihoods destroyed, families torn apart, and opportunities missed. But I believe in Zimbabwe. I believe in the resilience of our people and our ability to rise to any challenge,” said Dr. Mombeshora.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, AMR could claim 10 million lives annually by 2050, up from the current 700,000 deaths per year—a figure higher than those caused by cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). AMR is also projected to cut global GDP by trillions.
“Here at home, the stakes are high. Left unchecked, AMR could cost Zimbabwe 5-7% of its GDP by 2050, not to mention the strain it will place on our healthcare system and farmers. But this is not a time for despair; it’s a time for action,” he added.
The second phase of the National Action Plan for AMR (NAP 2.0) follows a series of interventions implemented under the first plan (2017–2022). These included continued support for the provision of essential medicines and services in human and animal health institutions.
“We added AMR modules to nursing curricula, empowering the next generation of healthcare workers. We trained poultry farmers to reduce antibiotic misuse. With support from Fleming Fund Grant 1, we upgraded 14 laboratories (seven for human health, five for animal health, one for environmental monitoring, and one for food safety) to international standards, improving our ability to track AMR,” said Dr. Mombeshora.
Zimbabwe also introduced stewardship programs to optimize antibiotic use in primary healthcare facilities. Research initiatives included hospital healthcare-associated infection surveillance and mapping substandard and falsified medicines at border posts through partnerships under the Multi-Partner Trust Fund.
The country received financial backing from multiple sources, including, Fleming Fund Grant: £4 million, Multi-Partner Trust Fund Grant: US$1 million, International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions: US$600,000 per ministry and the funding came from governments including the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Pius Essandoh, WHO Zimbabwe Medical Officer, described AMR as a silent but formidable enemy that requires urgent attention.
“As we launch the Zimbabwe One Health Second Edition of the AMR National Action Plan, we recognize the urgent need to address this global crisis that is increasingly threatening health systems, food security, and our future,” said Dr. Essandoh.
He warned that the rise in drug-resistant infections was alarming and, without immediate action, the consequences would be catastrophic—not only in lives lost but also economically. The cumulative global cost of AMR is projected to reach US$100 trillion by 2050.
The FAO Representative for Zimbabwe, Dr. Patrice Talla, emphasized that the fight against AMR extends beyond health.
“AMR requires a One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and the environment. AMR is not just a health issue—it affects food production, rural livelihoods, and economic stability. FAO’s engagement in AMR is firmly rooted in the country’s priorities as outlined in the National Action Plan and the Global Action Plan for AMR,” said Dr. Talla.
He expressed concern over the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in the livestock sector, which is significantly driving AMR in both human and animal health.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jo Abbott, the UK’s Zimbabwe Development Director, urged Zimbabwe to move away from a donor-recipient model toward sustainable partnerships.
“Today, we are here to launch the third phase of the AMR National Action Plan 2.0, which requires US$45 million, along with the US$3.5 million Fleming Fund contribution from the UK,” said Dr. Abbott.
She stressed that financial support alone is not enough to combat AMR. “It’s about moving away from a donor-recipient model of aid to one where we work together in shared partnerships based on mutual respect and common priorities. I’m glad to see Zimbabwe’s action on AMR,” she added.
Dr. Abbott highlighted that the UK has prioritized Global Health Security, including AMR, as part of its Global Health Strategy.
“The One Health Approach focuses on creating partnerships, multilateral cooperation, and leveraging expertise in science, technology, diplomacy, and development,” she said.
The Fleming Fund is part of the UK’s broader global health support strategy. Like Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health, the UK’s Department of Health and Social Care works to strengthen One Health capacities, such as AMR surveillance across 24 low- and middle-income countries in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, including Zimbabwe.
The first phase of the Fleming Fund Grant provided US$5 million to Zimbabwe and ended in November 2022. It was implemented through a consortium of WHO, FAO, and the Biomedical Research & Training Institute (BRTI).
The second phase, supported through a multi-donor trust fund involving FAO, WHO, Sweden, and the Netherlands, pooled US$30 million, with the UK contributing 50% of the total funding.
