The statistic was disclosed during a stakeholder meeting on key findings related to antimicrobial resistance testing and stewardship initiatives at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital.
WHO Country Representative Dr. Jane Wangechi Maina emphasised that the World Health Organisation has classified antimicrobial resistance as one of the most critical global health threats today. "It threatens our collective achievements in health care, food security, and economic stability, placing millions at risk," Dr. Jane stated.
Dr. Haddy Bah, chief scientist and principal investigator for the Pfizer AMR project, noted that antimicrobial resistance poses significant risks to healthcare systems, patient safety, and public health worldwide.
Dr. Bah explained that AMR endangers the ability to treat infectious diseases effectively and threatens progress made in medicine, from surgeries to cancer treatments.
Dr. Cherno Jallow, deputy chief medical director at EFSTH, also highlighted that antimicrobial resistance is a pressing global health challenge that threatens the efficacy of essential medicines and the treatment of infectious diseases.
He pointed out that EFSTH has recognised the critical need to address this issue by implementing a comprehensive antimicrobial stewardship practice.
Babanding Sabally, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the devastating costs of antimicrobial resistance, including prolonged hospital stays and increased morbidity and mortality.
PS Sabally urged stakeholders to encourage the management of Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital to ensure that these guidelines are utilised. "It will help us in the fight against AMR."
The permanent secretary extended his appreciation to WHO for supporting the AMR National Action Plan, from assessment to development and costing. "The Gambia was the third country to use the WHO cost tool to evaluate its National Action Plan," he said.
Other speakers included a representative from the laboratory medicine department at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital.
