Parliamentary Forum on AMR Joins the fight against Antimicrobial Resistance

21/03/2025: Parliament of Uganda: 

The Parliamentary Forum on AMR has joined efforts with the National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (NHLDS) under the National One Health Platform towards addressing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) as a national priority.

Today, the NHLDS National Microbiology Reference Laboratory (NMRL) represented by Ibrahim Mugerwa, a Microbiologist presented before the Parliamentary Forum on AMR, highlighting the current state of AMR in Uganda and the urgent need for policy and legislative interventions.

The engagement, held at Parliament, and chaired by Hon. Dr. Nicholas Kamara emphasized the critical role of legislative action in addressing AMR, a challenge that threatens the effectiveness of life-saving medications and the broader healthcare system. The discussions revolved around strategies to elevate AMR on Uganda’s national health agenda, ensuring a coordinated and well-resourced response.

Honourable members of Parliament committed to leveraging their legislative mandate to advocate for policies that promote responsible antimicrobial use, strengthen surveillance systems, and enhance public awareness. The forum recognized that without urgent action, AMR could reverse medical advancements, making common infections increasingly difficult to treat and leading to higher mortality rates.

Also in attendance were representatives and experts from key ministries and organizations from human, animal and environment health under the National One Health Platform including the Ministry of Health - Uganda, Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), MoH Uganda- Department of National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (NHLDS), the National Drug Authority and civil society organisations. The meeting was funded by the Fleming Fund.