PARLIAMENTARY FORUM ON ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE (P

Today the @Antimicrobial held a multi- Stakeholder meeting on “Resistance (AMR) Risks Arising from Inadequate Protection of Cleaners and Solid Waste Handlers.” @DrAyumeCharles @Parliament_Ug @IDIMakerere @thet @MinofHealthUG @GlobalFund @bayloruganda

Addressing occupational and environmental drivers of antimicrobial resistance is critical to preventing the emergence and spread of resistant infections in Uganda. The meeting emphasized that AMR prevention begins with protecting those most exposed.@IDIMakerere @ntvuganda

Today the @Antimicrobial held a multi- Stakeholder meeting on “Resistance (AMR) Risks Arising from Inadequate Protection of Cleaners and Solid Waste Handlers.” @DrAyumeCharles @Parliament_Ug @IDIMakerere @thet @MinofHealthUG @GlobalFund @bayloruganda

Participants reaffirmed that protecting cleaners, miners, and solid waste handlers is essential to safeguarding national health security.

Strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC) training for sanitation and waste workers. Expand AMR surveillance to include environmental and occupational exposure sites

NEMA to strengthen monitoring of antimicrobial residues in environmental systems. PF-AMR to champion legislative oversight on occupational health protections.

The meeting resolved that: •Integrate AMR considerations into mining, environmental, and occupational safety regulations •Strengthen enforcement of PPE requirements for high-risk workers •Develop national guidelines on AMR risk prevention for sanitation and mining sectors

PPE provision and enforcement remain inadequate, especially in informal and subcontracted labour systems Environmental contamination is a major but under-recognized driver of antimicrobial resistance Multi-sector coordination under the One Health approach requires strengthening.

The meeting observed that: 1. AMR risks among sanitation and mining workers remain largely invisible in national AMR interventions. 2. Occupational health protections are inconsistently implemented across sectors.

Participants noted that cleaners, waste handlers, and miners are increasingly exposed to •Drug-resistant pathogens from medical and municipal waste •Bioaerosols and inhalable contaminants •Antimicrobial residues entering soil and water systems •Heavy metals

The meeting was attended by representatives from: •Minister of Energy and Mineral Development •Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum •National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) •One Health Platform Uganda •Makerere University Lung Institute etc

The meeting was convened in recognition that AMR is not only a health sector issue but a One Health and cross-sectoral governance challenge affecting environment, mining, sanitation, labour, and public health systems. @MinofHealthUG

These categories of workers are routinely exposed to pathogens, antimicrobial residues, heavy metals, and contaminated environments without adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), occupational health safeguards, or infection prevention systems. @bayloruganda @IDIMakerere

The meeting was to examine the growing risks of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) arising from inadequate occupational protection of frontline workers, particularly: •Cleaners and sanitation workers •Solid waste handlers •Miners and mining sector workers

Using drugs without a health worker’s guidance can mask serious diseases, cause wrong dosing, dangerous side effects, and harmful drug interactions. Misusing antibiotics fuels antimicrobial resistance, making infections harder and costlier to treat

What feels like a quick fix today can become a health crisis tomorrow. When sick, seek professional care. Protect your health. Protect public health. 💊❌🏥 @DrAyumeCharles @DianaAtwine @GlobalHealthOrg @IDIMakerere @Parliament_Ug @FlemingFund @bayloruganda

Together, we can stop Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and protect our future. ✨ Stay safe. Stay healthy. Happy Holidays! 🎄💚

As we enjoy the festive season, let’s keep our families healthy. Use antibiotics only when prescribed, never share or save leftovers. Kids wash your hands, cover your cough, and stay clean to fight germs! 💧👐

Dear Parents and Children, As we enjoy the excitement and joy of this holiday season, let us also remember to keep ourselves healthy and safe. One important way is by using medicines wisely, especially antibiotics. @Parliament_Ug @IDIMakerere @DrAyumeCharles

Shoutout to the incredible team, the gaffers who got their hands dirty to make #NTVPresidentialDebate2025 a success. You are the true MVPs!