In the Central African Republic (CAR), antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasingly undermining the effectiveness of essential medical treatments for people and livestock. Infections that were once treatable are becoming harder to cure, posing a growing health threat across clinics and farms nationwide.
In 2025, CAR took a historic step to confront this challenge by launching its first national awareness campaign, World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW), held from 18 to 24 November. Coordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in partnership with the government, the campaign aimed to educate the public on the responsible use of antibiotics and promote actions to mitigate the spread of resistance.
This unprecedented initiative was made possible through strong collaboration among FAO, the Quadripartite partners—the UN Environment Programme, World Health Organization, and World Organisation for Animal Health—alongside the World Bank, the French Embassy, and Institut Pasteur. Key contributions came from local doctors, veterinarians, farmers, and the faculty and students of the University of Bangui, who played an active role in driving awareness and change.
Participants emphasized that the campaign was more than a one-time event; it marked the start of a sustained national movement. Stakeholders highlighted the importance of collective action in safeguarding antibiotics for future generations, with FAO reaffirming its commitment to support the government in strengthening surveillance, promoting responsible practices, and fully implementing CAR’s national action plan.
The first edition of WAAW demonstrated CAR’s readiness to lead the fight against antimicrobial resistance, signaling a national commitment to protect public health and build a safer, healthier future, one action at a time.
