SENEGAL—In cooperation with the Ecole Inter-Etats des Sciences et Médecine Vétérinaire (EISMV), the African Union-Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) has completed hosting its second practical training.

This training , which took place at the Ecole Inter-Etats des Sciences et Médecine Vétérinaire (EISMV) in Dakar, Senegal, concentrated on laboratory techniques and surveillance for antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Ten technicians and professionals in the field of animal health from the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cote D’Ivoire, Niger, Mauritania, Guinea-Conakry, Equatorial Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Djibouti convened for a rigorous training session that was conducted entirely in French from February 12 to 16, 2024.

This workshop was organized by the Containing the Emergence and Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance in Africa (CES-AMR Africa) Project.

 It is the second of its kind following a successful inaugural session that took place from September 25 to 29, 2023.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides funding for the CES-AMR Africa Project, which is a component of the Economics Trade and Marketing Unit (AU-IBAR).

This five-day training program’s main goal was to give participants the information and abilities needed for efficient AMR surveillance, lab testing, animal pathogen isolation, and data gathering and analysis methods.

AU-IBAR and EISMV sought to enable participants to effectively solve AMR concerns at the national level by offering hands-on training based on real-world scenarios.

Experts in the area lead a combination of theoretical lectures and hands-on activities every day as part of the well-planned training program that covers a wide variety of topics essential for managing antimicrobial resistance.

AU-IBAR and EISMV gave the introductory remarks on the first day, which were followed by self-introductions, an outline of the training goals, and discussions on the variables impacting the onset of AMR and AMR monitoring procedures.

In addition, a visit to the laboratory to examine optimal procedures for susceptibility testing and poultry necropsies was part of the practical sessions for the day.

Participants improved their skills in laboratory testing and isolation techniques, antibiotic susceptibility testing, and data management for AMR monitoring between the second and fourth days of the training, which concentrated on animal pathogen isolation, data collection, and analysis.

Furthermore, the practical exercises gave participants significant practical experience, ensuring they were prepared to use their newly acquired knowledge in everyday scenarios.

Certificates recognizing the participants’ successful completion of the training were issued out on the last day of the program.

EISMV and AU-IBAR’s closing statements emphasized the value of teamwork in combating AMR and reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing capacity-building programs.

The practical training program organized by AU-IBAR and EISMV has resulted in significant advancements in the battle against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) throughout Africa.

These initiatives are essential for maintaining the long-term control of antimicrobials in the veterinary industry and safeguarding public health.

By giving experts in animal health the resources and know-how they require to carry out their duties efficiently, they achieve this.

With participants equipped with new skills and knowledge, the program’s knock-on effects are expected to have a significant impact on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mitigation efforts throughout the continent.

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