Experts warn of deaths linked to antibiotic resistance
By George.Kebaso, March 27, 2024Experts are warning that deaths caused as a result of resistance to antibiotics could become the next pandemic if not contained.
The experts revealed that in 2019 alone, 8,500 Kenyans died due to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a figure higher than fatalities caused by malaria and HIV/Aids.
Dr Emmanuel Tanui, National AMR Focal Point, at the Ministry of Health, said yesterday that through the Antimicrobial Stewardship programmes, the ministry has deployed a multifaceted approach to address the situation using three pillars.
“The pillars include access; stewardship, research, and development,” he said during the opening of a three-day Microbiology updates conference 2024 hosted by the Aga Khan University.
Already WHO has raised a red flag on five antibiotics people should be careful on their use, unless prescribed by qualified physicians.
The antibiotics that are commonly used include; Levofloxacin at 1.97 per cent; ciprofloxacin (3.55 per cent), cefuroxime (3.92 per cent); and azithromycin (4.65 per cent), which has been common in the country especially at the advent of Covid-19.
Tanui said AMR stewardship programmes should strike a balance between the three pillars, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
“The stewardship programmes should ensure that access to antimicrobials is not compromised and is expanded where needed,” he emphasised, noting that the goals of antimicrobial stewardship programs at the Ministry of Health, include, improving safety, quality of care and outcomes, reducing treatment costs, reducing emergence and spread of AMR and optimizing antibiotics lifespan.
The 2024 Microbiology Updates Conference is organised by the Aga Khan University Medical College, East Africa, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi and in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
It brings together national and international experts to promote and strengthen One Health governance for AMR surveillance in Kenya and the region. The conference aims to fill critical gaps in the surveillance of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, through various initiatives such as capacity building, research, and surveillance system strengthening to tackle AMR effectively.