Summary & Key Points
"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a major public health issue, affects human, environmental, and animal health alike. AMR could cause millions of deaths in the coming years."
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a major public health issue, affects human, environmental, and animal health alike. AMR could cause millions of deaths in the coming years. Thus, the IPORA consortium's Working Group (WP) 8 organized an interdisciplinary "pedagogical workshop" to raise awareness among future biology, environment, and health doctors about this reality that threatens humanity.
This seminar, which is part of the "one health" concept, took place from November 26 to 27, 2024, at the scientific hub of Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Bingerville. It brought together around fifty participants, including Pr. Horo Apollinaire, vice-dean in charge of research at the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Abidjan (UFR-SMA), representing the UFR-SMA Director, the Executive Director of the PAC-CI Program, Dr. Moh, Pr. Ahonzo-Niamké Sébastien, Director of the ED-BES, Pr. Tanon Aristophane, IPORA WP8 Coordinator, speakers, doctoral and post-doctoral students.
Thus, before the official opening of this scientific seminar by the dean of the UFR-SMA, Pr. Tanon highlighted the importance of the topic, noting that AMR poses a growing threat to public health.
Therefore, drawing inspiration from the global action plan on antimicrobial resistance, Côte d'Ivoire has adopted a National Action Plan against AMR, in addition to having a legislative, regulatory, and directive platform for the general management of health security in the human, animal, and environmental health sectors, as well as in the agro-food industry.
However, the application of these regulatory provisions remains a challenge to be overcome; this constitutes a factor in maintaining a potential health risk situation for the populations. Better hygiene measures and infection prevention are essential to limit the development and spread of pathogens resistant to antimicrobials. Moreover, Infection Prevention and Control programs integrating in-depth training of healthcare personnel and community-level education are essential to effectively combat antimicrobial resistance in humans and animals throughout the food chain.
According to the IPORA WP8 Coordinator, this fight requires more than ever a multidisciplinary approach for effective management of antimicrobials and the promotion of sustainable practices. The contributions of researchers, veterinarians, and healthcare professionals to this seminar also aimed to foster exchanges between disciplines, learn to communicate simply, understand each other, identify common interests or methodologies, and ultimately create interdisciplinarity.
Over these two days, doctors, microbiologists, veterinarians, agricultural personnel, environmental personnel, sociologists, and economists took turns addressing the audience to present communications on various topics related to the fight against AMR in Côte d'Ivoire.
On the first day, the focus was on the critical issues related to AMR, highlighting its causes, consequences, and possible solutions. The discussions after each presentation addressed the need for responsible prescribing, the impact of AMR on animal and human health, as well as the challenges related to the environment and agriculture.
The second day was dedicated to social perceptions playing a key role in the inappropriate use of antimicrobials, while the economic impact of AMR underscores the urgency of state intervention.
These enlightening and highly enriching analyses underscore the importance of an integrated and collaborative approach to counter this global health crisis, particularly in Côte d'Ivoire. Indeed, this research-based training approach enabled ED-BES doctoral students to acquire the necessary knowledge inspiring their future research work on AMR.
In the medium and long term, the results of these studies will enable the CI State, the WHO, and the populations to have factual data indicating the real impact of AMR on human health in Côte d'Ivoire. Ultimately, this should mobilize everyone and significant financial resources, with a view to changing the populations' behavior regarding the use of antimicrobials.
Finally, note that the closing ceremony of this seminar was marked by the awarding of a participation diploma to each participant to reward their efforts and commitment.
