Governing antibiotic resistance through One Health: Insights from the political and legal landscape in Senegal

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly antibiotic resistance, is a growing global threat that could cause up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050, driven by factors such as antibiotic misuse, weak health systems, poor sanitation, and environmental contamination. In Senegal, a One Health approach has been adopted, including the establishment of a national platform since 2017 and supporting legal frameworks; however, governance capacity remains constrained by limited resources, weak legal enforcement, inadequate laboratory infrastructure—especially in rural areas—and reliance on external funding. Additional challenges include poor surveillance systems and power imbalances that hinder coordination and data sharing across sectors. Strengthening AMR control in Senegal will require improved legal frameworks, stronger domestic investment, better healthcare and laboratory capacity, and more inclusive, well-coordinated One Health governance that effectively links global strategies to local realities.