ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANTS AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IN THE SPREAD OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN AFRICA: PLANETARY HEALTH AS A PANACEA

Abstract

Misuse and overuse of antibiotics have contributed to increased resistance in superbugs which is identified as a public health threat across the globe. Currently, antimicrobial resistance is estimated to cause 700,000 deaths per annum worldwide, and in 2050, about 10 million lives will be lost, of which 41.5% will occur in Africa, being the most vulnerable behind Asia due to limited surveillance, lack of information on emerging resistant strains, and ineffective coordinated approach among others. However, considering the prevalence nature of antimicrobial resistance in Africa, its magnitude is not fully understood in the context of the environment, and little attention has been placed on the role of environmental contaminants and other environmental factors in promoting resistance. This paper, therefore, elucidates some environmental factors and contaminants that contribute to the spread of resistance in Africa and recommends a planetary health approach as a panacea.