Tackling antimicrobial resistance in sub-Saharan Africa: challenges and opportunities for implementing the new people-centered WHO guidelines.

INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial drugs form an essential component of medical treatment in human and animal health. Resistance associated with their use has posed a global public health threat. Multiple efforts have been made at the global level directed by the World Health Organization and associated partners to develop policies aimed at combatting antimicrobial resistance. AREAS COVERED: Whilst the Global Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance and people-centered framework aim to guide countries in implementing successful antimicrobial resistance policies, their adoption and success depend on different implementation contexts. Therefore, this paper highlights the challenges and opportunities for implementing the World Health Organization's people-centered approach in sub-Saharan Africa, whilst recognizing antimicrobial resistance as a multifaceted problem rooted in 'complex systems.' EXPERT OPINION: The people-centered approach provides a solid framework for combating antimicrobial resistance. Countries should build sustainable national action plans, adopt the One Health approach, limit over-the-counter antibiotic consumption, and educate communities on rational antibiotic use. They should also promote inter-country collaborations and innovative solutions, strengthen drug regulatory capacities, invest in infection control, water sanitation, hygiene, diagnostics, and surveillance tools, and promote vaccine uptake to prevent drug-resistant infections.

Addressing the re-emergence and resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases in Africa: A health equity perspective.

Vaccination is one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century, with a tremendous impact in the prevention and control of diseases. However, the recent reemergence of vaccine-preventable diseases calls for a need to evaluate current vaccination practices and disparities in vaccination between high-income countries and low-and-middle-income countries. There are massive deficits in vaccine availability and coverage in resource-constrained settings. Therefore, this perspective seeks to highlight the reemergence of vaccine-preventable diseases in Africa within the lens of health equity and offer recommendations on how the continent should be prepared to deal with the myriad of its health systems challenges. Among the notable factors contributing to the reemergence, stand health inequities affecting vaccine availability and the dynamic vaccine hesitancy. Strengthening health systems and addressing health inequities could prove useful in halting the reemergence of vaccine-preventable diseases.