Tanzania has announced significant progress in its efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), reporting an 88 percent reduction in antibiotic consumption and a 14 percent decline in deaths linked to drug-resistant infections.

The achievements were presented during the 17th University-Wide Research Dissemination Symposium organised by Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS).

According to Professor Hezron Nonga, Chairperson of the Antimicrobial Resistance Multi-Sectoral Coordination Committee, the results stem from the implementation of Tanzania's Second National Action Plan on AMR (2023–2028), which follows a One Health approach that connects human, animal and environmental health.

The country has strengthened surveillance systems, improved data-sharing mechanisms, increased domestic funding and expanded public education campaigns aimed at reducing inappropriate antibiotic use.Tanzania has also improved infection prevention and control compliance in health facilities by 60 percent.

Public awareness initiatives, including the Kiswahili term 'Usugu wa Vimelea vya Magonjwa Dhidi ya Dawa' (UVIDA) and the 'Holelaholela Itakukosti' campaign, have reached nearly 24.7 million people and received recognition from the Africa CDC.

In the livestock sector, expanded vaccination programmes, better biosecurity measures and food safety interventions have contributed to reducing disease outbreaks and unnecessary antimicrobial use.Despite the positive results, experts warned that AMR remains a serious threat to public health, food security and economic development.

International partners, including France, reaffirmed support for regional cooperation and research initiatives such as the HATUA Project, which works across East Africa to strengthen surveillance and evidence-based responses to antimicrobial resistance.