Harare, 20 February 2025 – In a significant step forward in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Hon. Dr. David T. Mombeshora, the Minister of Health and Child Care, officially launched the Zimbabwe One Health Antimicrobial Resistance National Action Plan 2.0 (2024-2028) today at a high-profile ceremony in Harare’s Monomotapa Hotel. The event also saw the announcement of the Fleming Fund II Grant, valued at £2.8 million, aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to monitor and address AMR.
The Minister, addressing a distinguished gathering of government officials, diplomats, and international partners, emphasized the urgent need to confront the growing AMR crisis, which poses a grave threat to global health, food security, and economic stability. AMR, the silent epidemic that has taken the lives of thousands in Zimbabwe alone, remains one of the most pressing health challenges of the 21st century.
In his keynote speech, Minister Mombeshora laid out the key objectives of the new action plan, which seeks to mitigate the risks of drug-resistant infections across the human, animal, and environmental health sectors. “Today, we stand united to take on one of the most significant challenges of our time,” said Mombeshora. “AMR is not just a healthcare problem; it’s an issue that touches every facet of life in Zimbabwe—from the food we eat to the medicine we rely on.”
The National Action Plan 2.0 is an ambitious framework built on the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It sets out five core pillars: raising awareness about AMR risks, strengthening surveillance systems, promoting prevention practices, optimizing the use of antimicrobials, and fostering research and innovation.
Notable among the updates in the new plan is a stronger governance framework, which includes the appointment of an AMR focal point for the environment sector and the decentralization of laboratory information systems to enhance data flow. In addition, the plan expands surveillance to include plant health and fish farming, ensuring all sectors contribute to the collective effort against AMR.
The government’s commitment to funding the fight against AMR was further underscored by the Minister’s announcement of a USD 45 million budget for the plan’s implementation, with half of that earmarked for surveillance activities. “This is not just the government’s fight,” Mombeshora noted. “It’s a shared responsibility. Healthcare workers, farmers, and every Zimbabwean citizen must play their part in safeguarding our future.”
The launch event was also marked by the recognition of key stakeholders, including development partners who have contributed financial and technical support to AMR efforts. Among those present were representatives from the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany, as well as international health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Fleming Fund’s Regional Director for Africa, Patrick Mubangizi, spoke of the critical role of data in shaping AMR policies, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration between Zimbabwe and its international partners. He commended the government’s leadership in developing a comprehensive plan to combat AMR and promised continued support for its implementation.
While AMR remains a formidable challenge, Minister Mombeshora struck an optimistic tone in his closing remarks. “Challenges remain, but I believe in Zimbabweans,” he said. “We have faced challenges before, and we have overcome them. This time is no different. Together, we will rise to the occasion and build a healthier, stronger nation for ourselves and future generations.”
As Zimbabwe moves forward in its fight against AMR, the 2024-2028 National Action Plan 2.0 stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to safeguarding public health, securing its agricultural sector, and ensuring that the next generation of Zimbabweans will live in a world where life-saving antibiotics continue to work.