Supply Chain and Delivery of Antimicrobial Drugs in Smallholder Livestock Production Systems in Uganda
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Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Frontiers in veterinary science
Abstract
This study assessed the veterinary drug supply chain in Uganda, the constraints faced by
the actors, and how the challenges influence the use of antimicrobial (AMs) by livestock
farmers. We carried out stakeholder consultation workshops, key informant interviews
and a knowledge, practices, and awareness survey with actors of the veterinary drug
supply chain. We also profiled drugs stored in 23 urban and peri-urban drug shops in
Lira and Mukono districts to record the commonly sold drugs. The veterinary drug supply
chain is made of several actors including wholesalers, retailers, Animal Health Service
Providers (AHSP) and farmers. Nearly ninety per cent of drug retailers and veterinary
practitioners did not receive specialized training in veterinary medicine, and most of
veterinary practitioners have been in the drug business market for more than 10 years.
Antibiotics and anti-helminthics were the most stocked drugs by retailers, with antibiotics
ranking highest in terms of contribution to annual financial profits, accounting for 33%.
The choice of a drug by veterinary practitioners was mainly informed by past success
with efficacy of the drug, and financial capacity of the client (the farmer) to meet the
treatment cost. Many veterinary practitioners were not conversant with veterinary drug
policies of the country, with Mukono having a higher number (72%) compared to Lira
(37%). Veterinary practitioners from Lira district compared to Mukono and those mainly
serving small scale farmers relative to large scale smallholders were more knowledgeable
about antibiotics and AMR. Several supply chain constraints were identified as potential
drivers of misuse of antibiotics that could contribute to AMR. These included low level
of education of supply chain actors, particularly drug retailers, poor handling of drugs
at purchase and administration practices, low enforcement of policies and regulations,
and lack of awareness of stakeholders about policies that regulate drug use. Thus, future
interventions to reduce misuse of AM drugs in livestock production systems in Uganda
such as capacity building, should also target veterinary input suppliers, and deliberately
involve a strong policy advocacy component.
Description
Keywords
Antibiotic, Antimicrobial resistance, Livestock, Veterinary drug supply chain, Uganda
Citation
Dione, M. M., Amia, W. C., Ejobi, F., Ouma, E. A., & Wieland, B. (2021). Supply chain and delivery of antimicrobial drugs in smallholder livestock production systems in Uganda. Frontiers in veterinary science, 954. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.611076