Palapye, 4 December 2025

Botswana has taken a decisive step in its fight against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) with the official signing of the National AMR Action Plan during the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) commemoration held in Palapye. The event showcased a unified national commitment to protect public health, animal health, and the environment through a strengthened One Health approach.

A Milestone Endorsed Across Government

The National Action Plan was signed into implementation by three key ministries: Minister of Health, Dr Stephen Modise; Minister of Agriculture and Lands, Dr Edwin Dikoloti; and Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr. Ignatious Moswaane. Their collective endorsement underscores Botswana’s determination to coordinate efforts across human health, veterinary services, agriculture, food systems, and local governance to curb AMR.

Commemorations were held under the global theme “Act Now, Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,” aligning Botswana’s campaign with international messaging and momentum. The gathering brought together dignitaries from the quadripartite sectors, global partners advancing the One Health agenda—including WHO, FAO, and WOAH—and local institutions such as the Botswana Vaccine Institute, Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board, and NARDI, alongside school representatives and community members.

A Roadmap Tailored to Botswana’s Needs

Developed with WHO technical support, Botswana’s costed National AMR Action Plan adapts the pillars of the WHO Global Action Plan to the country’s context. It outlines actions to promote responsible antimicrobial use, strengthen infection prevention and control, build surveillance and diagnostic capacity, and reinforce regulatory mechanisms. The plan also responds to the realities of Botswana’s agricultural sector—especially the need for prudent antibiotic use among livestock producers to protect the country’s globally recognized beef industry and comply with stringent export standards.

“AMR Is Everyone’s Business”: WHO’s Call to Action

In remarks delivered at the Palapye commemoration on 4 December 2025, Dr Fabian Ndenzako, WHO Representative in Botswana, warned that AMR is silently undermining decades of health progress and requires urgent, multisectoral action. He underscored that WAAW—celebrated annually from 18–24 November—offers a crucial moment for societies to “join hands to confront one of the most pressing global threats of our time,” reminding participants that “AMR is everyone’s business.”. 

Dr Ndenzako highlighted the heavy burden of AMR in sub‑Saharan Africa and the systemic drivers of resistance, including inappropriate antimicrobial use in humans and animals, gaps in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and limited diagnostic capacity. He emphasized that sustainable progress depends on education, stewardship, strong governance, and coordinated action that brings together government, health professionals, environmental authorities, civil society, communities, and youth.

The WHO Representative also noted regional advances: all 47 Member States in the WHO African Region now have multisectoral National Action Plans to guide implementation; 25 countries (53%) are leveraging the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) to inform policy; and 32 countries (68%) are implementing core packages to optimize responsible antimicrobial use in communities and health facilities—evidence of growing commitment and capacity across the continent. 

From Commitment to Implementation

With the National AMR Action Plan now signed, Botswana and its One Health partners will move quickly from commitment to action. Priorities include expanding nationwide awareness, strengthening and enforcing regulations, scaling surveillance and laboratory systems, and engaging farmers, health workers, educators, civil society, and youth to translate policy into practical, measurable results. The momentum generated in Palapye reflects a country determined to protect the efficacy of life‑saving antimicrobials, safeguard livelihoods linked to the livestock sector, and ensure a healthier future for people, animals, and ecosystems.

“Together, through One Health action, innovation, and accountability, we can mitigate the silent pandemic of AMR and secure a healthier, safer future for Africa and the world.” — Dr Fabian Ndenzako, WHO Representative in Botswana