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Original Research
Overview of antimicrobial resistance mitigation efforts in Benin 2024
Submitted: 22 February 2025 | Published: 26 July 2025
About the author(s)
Alain K. Aissi, Department of Training and Research in Health, Center for Entomological Research of Cotonou, Ministry of Health, Cotonou, Benin; and, Laboratory of Hygiene, Sanitation, Toxicology, and Environmental Health, Interfaculty Center for Training and Research in Environment for Sustainable Development, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin; and, Beninese Society of Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention and Control, Abomey-Calavi, BeninTokpanou E.C. Koudjo, Beninese Society of Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention and Control, Abomey-Calavi, Benin; and, General Directorate of Hospital Medicine and Diagnostic Explorations, Ministry of Health, Cotonou, Benin
Filémon T. Tokponnon, Department of Training and Research in Health, Center for Entomological Research of Cotonou, Ministry of Health, Cotonou, Benin; and, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
Al Fattah Onifade, World Health Organization, Cotonou, Benin
Akpeedje A.C. Wadagni, National Council for the Fight Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Ministry of Health, Cotonou, Benin
Géraud S.R. Padonou, Department of Training and Research in Health, Ministry of Health, Cotonou, Benin; and, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
Hervé A. Gbegnide, National Council for the Fight Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Ministry of Health, Cotonou, Benin
Léopold A. Azakpa, Beninese Society of Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention and Control, Abomey-Calavi, Benin; and, Faculty of Medicine, University of Parakou, Parakou, Benin
Adrien M. Hodonou, Beninese Society of Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention and Control, Abomey-Calavi, Benin; and, Faculty of Medicine, University of Parakou, Parakou, Benin
Roch C. Johnson, Laboratory of Hygiene, Sanitation, Toxicology, and Environmental Health, Interfaculty Center for Training and Research in Environment for Sustainable Development, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
Francis M. Dossou, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
Abstract
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global public health threat that undermines sustainable development. In Benin, high AMR rates to common antibiotics, including last-resort treatments, exacerbate infection outcomes and healthcare costs. Inappropriate antibiotic use worsens this challenge. To address these issues, Benin implemented its National Multisectoral AMR Action Plan 2019–2024.
Aim: This study aims to assess the implementation of Benin’s National AMR Action Plan 2019–2024 and identify critical gaps for future updates.
Setting: The evaluation covered six of Benin’s 12 departments, engaging stakeholders from human, animal and environmental health sectors.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional evaluation was performed from 05 August 2024 to 30 September 2024. Data were collected through a documentary review, standardised questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and group discussions. An executed scoring grid and a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats analysis were used.
Results: Of the 224 planned activities, 40.18% were not initiated, 31.25% had started, 19.64% were partially executed, 5.36% were nearly completed and only 3.57% were fully implemented. Critical gaps included the lack of a fully operational multisectoral coordination group, limited financial resources, inadequate surveillance systems, insufficient communication and education initiatives and the absence of infection prevention and control (IPC) programmes.
Conclusion: Despite progress in regulatory frameworks, gaps in coordination, resources, surveillance and IPC hinder effective AMR control in Benin. Strengthening governance, communication and addressing other identified gaps are critical for future success.
Contribution: This evaluation provides evidence-based recommendations to update Benin’s AMR strategy within a ‘One Health’ framework.
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goal
Metrics
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