{
  "id": 19499734,
  "title": "Ghana recorded 2,100 AMR-related deaths in 2019, experts warn of farm-related risks",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/ghana-recorded-2-100-amr-related-deaths-in-2019-experts-warn-of-farm",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-11T13:16:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghana-recorded-2100-amr-related-deaths-in-2019-experts-warn-of-farm-related-risks/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 2019, Ghana reported around 2,100 deaths linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with concerns growing over the role of improper antibiotic usage in animal farming. Dr Benjamin Kissi Sasu, an animal health expert, highlighted that poor hygiene, inadequate waste management, and the misuse of antimicrobials in food production could exacerbate the spread of resistant infections. He cautioned that unsafe farming practices could expose consumers to antibiotic residues in animal products and contaminate the environment with resistant organisms. Dr Sasu emphasized that farmers lacking knowledge about proper antimicrobial use might inadvertently introduce antibiotic residues into food, potentially compromising public health. He stressed that while Ghana's 2019 AMR-attributable deaths were still manageable, stronger national action plans and improved surveillance were crucial. The UK-funded Tackling Deadly Diseases in Africa Programme Two is aiding Ghana in addressing AMR through training, surveillance, and improved practices in agriculture. This includes educating farmers on responsible antibiotic use in livestock and poultry, as well as biosecurity and farm hygiene. The program also supports environmental health systems to prevent the spread of resistant organisms. Experts stress that tackling AMR requires collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.",
  "summary": "Ghana recorded an estimated 2,100 deaths attributable to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in 2019, with experts warning that inappropriate antibiotic use in livestock and fish farming could worsen the country's public health burden. Animal health expert Dr Benjamin Kissi Sasu says the misuse of antimicrobials in food production, poor farm hygiene and inadequate waste management could accelerate the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}