Symposium on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Optimizing and Accelerating Initiatives to Combat AMR
- ISHIMWE JEAN DE DIEU
- Dec 21, 2024
- 5 min read
On December 20 2024 Experts, healthcare professionals, and policymakers gathered at the Ubumwe Grande Hotel for a landmark symposium on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Organized by the Infection Prevention and Control Organization (IPCRO) in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), the event provided a platform to discuss strategies for combating this global health threat. The symposium was attended by Professor Muvunyi, Director General of RBC.
The event began with discussions on the One Health approach, where representatives from the Division of One Health at RBC underscored the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in addressing AMR. They highlighted the need for cross-sectoral collaboration to effectively tackle the root causes of resistance.
During the opening session, Professor Muvunyi commended Rwanda's significant strides in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). He highlighted the country’s achievements in strengthening AMR surveillance systems, implementing comprehensive national action plans, and raising public awareness about the issue. Despite this progress, Professor Muvunyi underscored the escalating threat posed by AMR, emphasizing the need for continuous collaboration, innovation, and increased resource allocation to address the challenge effectively. He stressed that AMR transcends being merely a healthcare issue, representing a global threat that demands concerted efforts and unified action across all sectors.
Professor Madeleine MUKESHIMANA spoke on the importance of inter-professional collaboration, stressing that teamwork among doctors, nurses, pharmacists, policymakers, and researchers is essential for a coordinated response to AMR. She highlighted how collaboration enhances resource utilization, policy development, and patient outcomes.
Dr. Ntaganda Edmond's presentation focused on the importance of screening for carriers to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs). He emphasized that identifying carriers individuals who harbor harmful bacteria without symptoms is crucial in reducing post-surgical complications. By screening patients for resistant pathogens, healthcare providers can implement targeted interventions like decolonization or antibiotic stewardship, which help prevent infections and curb the spread of antibiotic resistance. Dr. Ntaganda urged healthcare institutions to make carrier screening a routine part of infection control practices to enhance surgical safety and improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Leopold Bitunguhari delivered a detailed presentation on the steps required to initiate an antibiotic stewardship program and outlined the way forward. He shared insights into creating multidisciplinary teams, setting measurable goals, and monitoring progress to optimize antibiotic use and combat resistance effectively.
The symposium also addressed operational challenges in microbiological sampling and laboratory practices. Dr. Noel Gahamanyi, Division Manager at the National Reference Laboratory, highlighted issues such as limited resources and the lack of standardization in sample collection procedures. He advocated for increased investment in laboratory infrastructure and training.
Dr. Uwamahoro Doris highlighted the importance of effective communication between laboratories, clinicians, and patients to ensure accurate test interpretation and timely decision-making. She also discussed the challenges of blood sampling, particularly in pediatric and adult patients. In pediatrics, difficulties arise due to smaller veins and patient anxiety, while in adults, issues include varying conditions and difficult veins. Dr. Uwamahoro emphasized the need for proper training of healthcare staff to handle these challenges and for clear communication to support both patients and clinicians throughout the process.
The symposium included a detailed session on hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and catheter-related infections, led by Dr. Hamelmal G. Hailegiorgis. She provided an in-depth analysis of the significant burden these infections place on healthcare systems, particularly in the context of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Dr. Hailegiorgis emphasized the challenges of preventing and managing these infections, which are often linked to prolonged hospital stays and invasive procedures like catheter insertions. She highlighted how these infections contribute to the spread of resistant pathogens, complicating treatment options and increasing patient morbidity and mortality.
Dr. Hailegiorgis stressed the urgent need for enhanced infection prevention and control (IPC) measures within healthcare facilities. This includes stricter adherence to hygiene protocols, regular surveillance, and the implementation of best practices in catheter care to minimize infection risks. She also called for more comprehensive staff training and improved patient management strategies to reduce the incidence of HAIs and catheter-related infections, ultimately helping to combat the growing threat of AMR in healthcare settings.
In insightful presentation on the mechanisms of action of antibiotics, explaining how these drugs work to inhibit or kill bacteria. Pascal detailed the various ways antibiotics target bacterial structures or processes, such as cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, and DNA replication. Blaise emphasized how bacteria can develop resistance through genetic mutations, horizontal gene transfer, or by adapting to environmental pressures like overuse or misuse of antibiotics.
He highlighted the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), stressing that understanding these mechanisms is crucial for making informed treatment decisions. By recognizing how bacteria become resistant, healthcare providers can choose the most effective antibiotics and avoid contributing to the spread of resistance. Blaise’s presentation underscored the importance of ongoing research and careful antibiotic stewardship to ensure the continued effectiveness of these vital drugs in combating bacterial infections.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a silent pandemic threatening human health, animal health, agriculture, food production, and ecosystems worldwide. Speaking at a symposium on AMR, Dr. Marie Claire Ndayisaba highlighted the critical role of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in mitigating the risks of infection and AMR in healthcare settings.
Dr. Ndayisaba emphasized that IPC and WASH are not only essential during outbreaks but also provide ongoing opportunities to strengthen health systems. "It has never been more urgent to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and combat AMR," she said.
The call to action is clear: we must act now to protect lives and ensure a sustainable future for health and the environment.
Interactive discussions and Q&A sessions followed each presentation, providing participants with the chance to engage directly with the speakers and delve deeper into the topics. These sessions sparked lively debates, with questions focusing on key areas such as resource allocation in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the effectiveness of public awareness campaigns in changing behavior, and the role of technology in improving AMR management.
Participants inquired about strategies for optimizing limited healthcare resources to tackle AMR more effectively, while others sought advice on how to enhance public understanding of the dangers of antibiotic misuse. The integration of digital tools, such as data analytics and artificial intelligence, in monitoring and managing AMR was also a point of interest, with many eager to explore how technology can aid in surveillance and treatment decision-making. The discussions highlighted the complexity of AMR and the need for collaborative efforts across various sectors to address this growing global health threat.
The symposium concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Irakiza Jean Jacques, founder and chairman of IPCRO. He commended the Ministry of Health, RBC, and all the participants for their collaborative efforts in addressing AMR. In his words, “This symposium is a testament to the power of collaboration and collective commitment. By working together, we can combat antimicrobial resistance effectively and protect the health of our communities and future generations.” Dr. Irakiza then expressed his gratitude to everyone for their active participation and insightful contributions. He concluded by wishing all attendees a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2025, encouraging continued collaboration in the year ahead.
As the event came to a close, attendees left with a renewed commitment to apply the insights gained and strengthen their efforts in the fight against AMR. The symposium marked an important milestone in Rwanda’s journey to tackle one of the most pressing health challenges of our time.
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