Zimbabwe Moves to Avert Public Health Catastrophe as Drug Resistance Rises

The government has launched a new action plan to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing threat that has already claimed thousands of lives and could devastate the country’s healthcare system. Health officials warn that misuse and overuse of antibiotics in hospitals, farms, and households are making infections harder to treat, putting millions at risk.

If AMR remains unchecked, experts predict Zimbabwe could lose up to 7% of its GDP by 2050, while drug-resistant infections could make routine medical treatments ineffective, leading to more deaths and prolonged illnesses.

To prevent a national health crisis, Zimbabwe has introduced the 2024-2028 National Action Plan for AMR (NAP 2.0). The plan builds on previous efforts to control antibiotic use and strengthen disease surveillance while introducing stricter regulations, expanded research, and public awareness programs.

By Ruvarashe Gora

Douglas Mombeshora said that without urgent intervention, AMR could lead to prolonged hospital stays, rising medical costs, and increased mortality rates. Globally, AMR is projected to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050, surpassing cancer as a leading cause of death.

For the first time, the environment sector has been formally included in AMR policymaking, reflecting growing concerns about how drug-resistant bacteria spread through water and food systems.

Zimbabwe has received £2.8 million from the UK’s Fleming Fund Grant II to support AMR surveillance and policymaking. Additional funding from international partners will help improve laboratory infrastructure and promote responsible antimicrobial use.

However, health authorities stress that fighting AMR is not just a government effort, it requires collective action. Doctors, farmers, policymakers, and the public must work together to protect the effectiveness of life saving medicines.

Mombeshora urges healthcare workers to prescribe antibiotics responsibly, farmers to adopt sustainable practices, and citizens to avoid self-medication.

“The fight against AMR is a shared responsibility,” said D. Mombeshora. “If we don’t act now, we risk a future where common infections become untreatable.”

While challenges remain, Zimbabwe’s bold new strategy signals a strong commitment to preventing a full scale public health catastrophe.