Kenyans have been advised to only purchase antibiotic drugs with a prescription from a qualified medical doctor to promote responsible antimicrobial use and combat the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
According to statistics by the World Health Organisation, bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and contributed to an additional 4.95 million deaths.
According to Kiambu County AMR Focal Person and Director of Health, Dr. Hillary Kagwa, the human body contains more bacterial cells than human cells, and the more antibiotics you take, the more cells are killed; therefore, the more antibiotics we take, the more resistance.
Dr Kagwa warned that the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and plants are the primary factors contributing to the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens.
Speaking at a forum to observe the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital, he said that the primary drivers of AMR are the misuse of antimicrobials and inadequate infection control.
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“These factors have resulted in the development of new resistance mechanisms, increased risk during medical procedures, and higher treatment costs.”
“The key drivers of AMR are misuse of antimicrobials and inadequate infection control, factors that have led to the development of new resistance mechanisms, increased risk during medical procedures, and higher treatment costs,” Dr. Kagwa said.
He emphasized the importance of sustainable efforts to combat AMR in Kenya.
“Over the past seven years, we have made significant strides in combating AMR in Kenya. However, sustaining these gains is now crucial. We urge the national government to integrate these achievements into its structures by implementing nationwide advocacy and awareness campaigns. These campaigns should educate and guide citizens, from individual households to all other stakeholders, on responsible antimicrobial use.”
