Ministry of Health issues warning on rising trend of antimicrobial resistance
By Kiprono Keileb, November 18, 2025The Ministry of Health has issued a fresh warning about the growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), raising concerns that common infections could soon become untreatable. The alert comes at a time when many Kenyans still rely heavily on antibiotics for routine illnesses, often without proper guidance.
In its statement released on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, on X, the ministry explained the seriousness of the situation. It noted the importance of medicines used to fight infections.
“Antimicrobials, essential for preventing and treating diseases in humans, animals, and plants, are losing effectiveness, leading to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR),” the statement read.
The Ministry went further to outline what happens when the drugs stop working. It stated that the danger extends beyond individual patients and affects the broader public.
“When bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to these agents, infections become untreatable, posing severe risks including disease spread, severe illness, and death,” the statement read.
Drugs overuse
The warning comes amid rising global concern that misuse and overuse of antibiotics are accelerating resistance. In many homes, people often buy antibiotics over the counter or stop treatment halfway once they feel better, unaware that such habits fuel resistance. Health officials fear that if this continues, even simple infections could require stronger medication, longer treatment, or lead to preventable deaths.
The Ministry urged Kenyans to take responsibility by being more cautious with how they use these medicines. It emphasised that the power to slow down resistance lies partly in everyday choices made by the public, health workers, farmers, and institutions. “It’s crucial to use antimicrobials wisely to prevent,” the statement read.
Farmers and veterinarians have also been warned against the unnecessary use of antibiotics in livestock, as this contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains that can spread to humans.
The ministry called for collective action to protect medicines that save lives, reminding the country that once resistance intensifies, treatment options will shrink and health costs will rise. The message was clear: safeguarding the effectiveness of antimicrobials is now a national responsibility.