National-Level Consumption of Antimicrobials in the Veterinary Sector in Uganda: A Report on Analysis of Import Data for 2021
National-Level Consumption of Antimicrobials in the Veterinary Sector in Uganda: A Report on Analysis of Import Data for 2021
By: Marion Murungi, Patrick Vudriko, Helen Byomire Ndagije, Diana Nakitto Kesi, Allan Serwanga, Kalidi Rajab, Leonard Manirakiza, John Paul Waswa, Hassan Kasujja, Mark Barigye, Ddembe Kaweesi, Harriet Akello, Juliet Namugambe, Reuben Kiggundu, and Niranjan Konduri
Publication: MDPI Antibiotics 2025, Volume 14, Issue 2 | https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14020150
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat, ranking as the third leading cause of death in 2019. AMR is especially prevalent in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where weak health systems and high disease burdens complicate effective control. The use of antimicrobials in humans, animals, food production, and the environment drives the rise of AMR, highlighting the need for a One Health approach to address the issue.
In Uganda, where over 80% of the population engages in agriculture, there is concern over the crossover use of human antimicrobials in animals. However, data on antimicrobial consumption (AMC), particularly in the veterinary sector, is scarce. This paper focuses on analyzing veterinary antimicrobial consumption in Uganda using import data from 2021. Surveillance of AMC in both human and animal sectors is essential for guiding control efforts, informing policy, and supporting the Uganda National Action Plan on AMR. The study emphasizes the need for national-level AMC monitoring, using import and sales data, and integrating these efforts into the global surveillance system (GLASS).
The research contributes to ongoing efforts to develop Uganda’s national AMC surveillance system, which is vital for understanding antimicrobial use in livestock and designing targeted interventions for AMR control.