Advancing the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance: Liberia Concludes Key Training Workshop on AMR Surveillance Strategy

Liberia has taken a significant step forward in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with the conclusion of a Training of Trainers (TOT) workshop focused on implementing the country’s newly developed Integrated AMR Surveillance Strategy. Held from November 11-15, 2024, in Monrovia, this workshop gathered laboratory professionals from human, animal, and environmental sectors, along with pharmacists, representing thirteen of Liberia’s fifteen counties. Participants were drawn from the Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), and Liberia Standard Authority (LISA). Organized by the One Health Antimicrobial Resistance Technical Working Group, this pivotal event marks a critical milestone in Liberia’s national AMR initiative.

The workshop followed a week-long strategy development session in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, held from November 4-8, 2024. During this session, experts from Liberia’s human, animal, and environmental health sectors collaborated to finalize the country’s integrated AMR surveillance framework. Supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through Family Health International (FHI360) under its Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) project, the TOT workshop provided participants with essential skills and knowledge for AMR detection, data management, and cross-sectoral reporting, solidifying Liberia’s commitment to addressing AMR across human, animal, and environmental health systems.

“Antimicrobial resistance is a critical health challenge worldwide, and Liberia’s dedication to establishing a robust AMR surveillance framework is admirable,” said Dr. Saybah Manyango Payveh, Chairperson of the Liberia One Health AMR Technical Working Group. “Through this training, we are building a sustainable network of trainers who can implement and scale AMR response efforts across the country.”

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms – such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites – develop the ability to resist the effects of drugs that once killed them or inhibited their growth. This resistance renders previously effective treatments ineffective, making infections harder to treat. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies AMR as one of the top global public health and development threats. In 2019, bacterial AMR directly caused 1.27 million deaths globally, contributing to a total of 4.95 million AMR-related deaths in 2022. The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and agriculture are primary drivers of drug-resistant pathogens.

The intensive, five-day training equipped participants with the skills needed to train others within their institutions and communities on AMR best practices. Attendees engaged in hands-on sessions covering critical areas such as data collection, analysis, and monitoring of AMR patterns in various health and environmental contexts. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, the workshop aligned with WHO’s Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, promoting awareness and sustainable practices to curb AMR.

In her closing remarks, Madam Nana Fosua Clement, FHI360 Country Representative, expressed gratitude to the One Health Platform for its coordination efforts and commended the participants for their commitment. She reaffirmed FHI360’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s One Health initiative. Mr. Advertus Nyan Mianah, National Coordinator of the Liberia One Health Coordination Platform, praised FHI360 for its support and urged participants to embrace collaboration as a vital approach in the fight against infectious diseases in Liberia. “With the One Health approach, we can achieve more by breaking down silos,” Mianah emphasized. Mr. Mianah used the occasion to request FHI360 to support the rollout of the training.

Participants applauded the workshop as a transformative advancement for Liberia’s health infrastructure, underscoring the importance of a unified, One Health approach in tackling AMR. Through this milestone, Liberia continues to establish itself as a proactive member of the global community committed to fighting antimicrobial resistance.

The One Health approach is a collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary strategy that recognizes the interconnection between humans, animals, and the environment. It aims to achieve optimal health outcomes by fostering cooperation across various disciplines and sectors.