Ethiopia | Antimicrobial Resistance | One Health

Key Achievements

• Educational brochure: “The Responsibility for the Proper Use of Antibiotics Is in Our Hands”
  
• Op-ed: Exploring the role of journalism in translating scientific evidence. Read here.
  
• Newsletter: Explaining the global threat of AMR.
  
• Documentary: “Antimicrobial Drugs: From Life-Saving to Death”
  
• Radio series: Four evidence-based episodes on AMR, broadcast on Mahiberawilimat FM 98.8
  
• News features: Published via the Africa News Channel and other Ethiopian media outlets. Watch here.

Across Ethiopia’s Amhara region, the misuse of antibiotics in human, animal, and environmental health is quietly accelerating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with serious consequences for communities and health systems.

To explore this challenge, Taye Zeru and Ayele Addis used a One Health communication approach, combining interviews with health workers, veterinary officers, community leaders, and patients with analysis of AMR surveillance and policy data.

Their evidence-informed storytelling reached communities, farmers, health professionals, and policymakers through radio, documentaries, op-eds, social media, and community forums, many delivered in local languages, strengthening public dialogue around responsible antibiotic use.

Key outputs included a documentary, a four-part radio series, news features, op-eds, and visual materials produced around World Antimicrobial Awareness Week. Feedback across audiences showed increased understanding of AMR and the importance of responsible antibiotic use.

“A key insight was that culturally tailored communication and using multiple media channels significantly improved audience engagement. A turning point was realizing the value of involving local leaders and policy influencers, which enhanced trust and uptake of messages on responsible antibiotic use.”