From May 2 to 3, 2025, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) organized a meeting with the technical and financial support of the World Health Organization (WHO) through the Pandemic Fund. Over 80 participants attended, including representatives from federal ministries, regional public health institutes, sentinel hospitals, academic institutions, and international partners. The purpose of the meeting was to review the achievements and challenges faced during the 2024 implementation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance. Additionally, participants set priorities for the years 2025 and 2026. This meeting was a vital step in evaluating and strengthening the country’s response to the growing threat of AMR.

Opening the meeting, Dr. Mesay Hailu, Director General of EPHI, emphasized the urgency of AMR. “Ethiopia is committed to implementing global and national strategies to tackle AMR,” he said. “EPHI has worked tirelessly to develop and strengthen the AMR surveillance system, guided by the National AMR Prevention and Containment Strategy (2021–2025). Generating evidence for action is our top priority.”

Echoing this message, Dr. Getachew Tollera, Deputy Director General of EPHI, outlined the country's adoption of a One Health approach. “The fight against AMR requires collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health. Our strategy focuses on five pillars: stewardship and infection prevention, laboratory-based surveillance, use monitoring, research and development, and intersectoral coordination.”

Regional stakeholders reinforced the importance of joint action. Dr. Damena Debeleke, Director General of the Sidama Public Health Institute, stated, “This review meeting has been crucial in identifying gaps and building consensus on our next steps. Regional collaboration is key to translating strategy into results.”

Dr. Kibru Kifle, Director of Academic and Clinical Services at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, highlighted the importance of data-driven approaches: “Our success depends on timely data collection, validation, and its effective use in clinical and policy decisions.”

Representing WHO, Mr. Aschalew Abayneh, Pandemic Fund EPPR Project Manager, highlighted the intersection between AMR surveillance and pandemic preparedness. “AMR is a ticking time bomb. The EPPR project strengthens the very systems—laboratories, surveillance, emergency coordination—that are also vital for AMR response,” he said.

Mr. Aschalew added, “Sub-Saharan Africa bears one of the highest AMR burdens globally, with death rates reaching up to 99 per 100,000 people. Ethiopia’s large livestock population makes the country particularly vulnerable, which underscores the importance of a One Health approach.”

During the meeting, EPHI presented updates on the surveillance system's performance in 2024, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. Ohio State University shared experiences from integrating laboratory and IPC measures at Tikur Anbessa Hospital’s ICUs. The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) showcased a new AMR surveillance dashboard under development.

Participants divided into three groups—existing AMR sites, new sites, and regional public health laboratories—to assess implementation gaps and propose priority actions for the 2025/2026 operational plan.

The review concluded with the presentation of a draft operational plan for 2025/2026. Key recommendations included scaling up training and logistics support for new sentinel sites, enhancing data reporting and use, and strengthening cross-sectoral coordination.

Despite minor logistical issues, including the absence of some invited partners, the meeting achieved its goals. “The engagement we saw here today shows that Ethiopia is on the right track,” said Mr. Aschalew. “Together, we can build a more resilient health system—prepared not just for AMR, but for the health emergencies of tomorrow.”