LAGOS (Sundiata Post) – Some scientists and medical experts have emphasised the need for an independent panel to address global health issues especially in Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
According to the experts, such panel should be structured to ensure credibility, legitimacy, and relevance.
The experts made the call at Lessons Learned For Antimicrobial Resistance (LLM4ARM) workshop organised by the Nigeria Academy of Science and the U.S. National Academy of Medicine on Monday in Lagos.
AMR refers to the ability of microorganisms (like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) to evolve and become resistant to antimicrobial drugs that are used to treat infections.
This resistance makes infections harder or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death.
Dr Susan Winks, Head, Research Operations and Business Development H3D, said that the panel’s effectiveness would depend on its ability to balance independence with policy relevance.
Wink said it would also depend on rigour with responsiveness, and sustainability with autonomy.
She said that the independent panel could play a critical role in facilitating the generation and use of multi-sectoral scientific evidence to support member states in addressing global health challenges.
According to her, the key elements of the panel’s structure and function should include a governance structure that allows for independent decision making.
“A focus on actionable recommendations and solutions, transparency and accountability in the panel’s processes.
‘’Inclusivity and diversity in membership and stakeholder engagement
‘’A commitment to the One Health approach, recognising the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health,” she said.
Winks also emphasised the importance of avoiding duplication and fragmentation, while also connecting the dots between different initiatives and stakeholders.
She outlined a roadmap for establishing the panel which includes landscape analysis, stakeholder engagement strategy, and consultation process.
“The goal is to have the panel established by the end of the year, with a clear mandate, purpose, and functions”.
Also speaking, Ms Cecilia Shah, Managing Director, Global Health, United Nations Foundation, suggested a hybrid model to enhance the impact of an independent panel on AMR.
Shah said that the panel should strike a balance between independence and policy relevance to effectively address the complex issue.
She said that there was no one-size-fits-all model for independent panels.
Shah proposed that to achieve it, a governance structure that combined formal mechanisms for engagement and uptake by governments and global institutions with a secretariat hosted by a neutral third party, such as an academic institution or international research centre, should be in place.
She also highlighted the importance of institutional processes, funding, and membership and inclusion in ensuring the credibility and legitimacy of the panel.
‘’A hybrid funding model that combines government contributions with strategic partnerships and philanthropic is suggested’’.
Shah said there was the need for transparency, regional balance, and sectoral representation in the panel’s membership and processes.
According to her, the inclusion of diverse stakeholders, including those from low- and middle-income countries is deemed critical for the panel’s success.
Shah, however, concluded that independent panels could be an indispensable tool for governments and the community to drive action and accountability but must be structured for impact and flexibility.
In his address, the President of Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS), Prof. Abubakar Sambo, highlighted the critical role of science in addressing the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
Sambo said that the Academy had consistently assisted the government in evidence-based policymaking and programme implementation.
He emphasised the importance of involving countries from the global South in shaping the panel’s structure and workings.
The NAS president said it would ensure that relevant evidence from these regions were evaluated and proposed interventions feasible and agreeable to countries like Nigeria. (NAN)
