NAIROBI, Kenya 13 November 2017 – The Government has developed a Policy and National Action Plan aimed at reducing the burden of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the country.
The joint venture between the Ministries of Health and Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries is using the one-health approach to promote prudent use of antimicrobial agents to ensure that there is continued successful treatment and prevention of microbial diseases by ensuring that effective, quality and safe antimicrobial are accessible to all who need them.
Speaking during the launch of the World Antibiotic Resistance Awareness Week at Kenyatta National Hospital today the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Cleopa Mailu revealed that with the increasing levels of international travel and trade, antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global public health, food security, and development.
“Kenya is no exception to this threat, with increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance among infections contributing the most to human disease nationally, being reported in our hospitals and communities,’’ he stressed.
A study in March 2016 revealed that Kenya is already experiencing high levels of antibiotic resistance, including high rates of resistance for respiratory, enteric and hospital acquired infections, indicating that many available antimicrobial regimens such as penicillin and contrimoxalzole are unlikely to be effective against common infections.
Continued rise in antimicrobial resistance globally has led to 10 million people dying every year and will also account for 3 percent reduction in GDP by 2050.
Hence the two Ministries have embarked on a process to consolidate efforts to implement sustainable measures to mitigate any further emergence and spread of Antimicrobial Resistance.