Status and Challenges of Multisectoral Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Surveillance in Ethiopia: Leveraging TADAS.net as a Digital Tool

Abstract

Abstract Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major One Health challenge requiring coordinated surveillance across human, animal, and environmental sectors. Ethiopia’s Antimicrobial Resistance Prevention and Containment Strategic Plan (2021–2025) recognized this need and prioritized establishing a multisectoral AMR surveillance system to support evidence-based decision-making. However, implementation of the system envisioned in the strategic plan has not yet been achieved. This study assessed the status and challenges of multisectoral AMR surveillance in Ethiopia and used the findings to inform the development of TADAS.net , an integrated digital surveillance platform. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2024 to April 2025. The study was conceptualized through a sandpit co-creation process involving experts from academia, government institutions, and the private sector. A contextually adapted assessment tool was validated by AMR focal persons from human, animal, and environmental laboratories. Data were collected from 44 laboratories across Ethiopia. Among 26 public health and clinical laboratories, 22 used WHONET, while four were transitioning to the platform. In the animal and food sectors, two laboratories used InFARM (International FAO Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring). AMR surveillance in environmental sector was limited and lacked a dedicated digital platform. Key challenges included inadequate laboratory and human-resource capacity, fragmented surveillance systems, limited interoperability, inconsistent data standards, regulatory and governance barriers, and concerns regarding data privacy, security, and institutional trust. These gaps informed the development of TADAS.net , a web-based interoperable platform. TADAS.net provides a promising solution for strengthening multisectoral AMR surveillance, although sustainable implementation will require strong governance, institutional ownership, data-sharing agreements, sustainable financing, and strengthened laboratory and human-resource capacity. Information © The Authors 2026