Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana has urged swift government intervention to combat the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), warning that the misuse of antibiotics is endangering the lives of thousands of children across Kenya and Africa.

Speaking in the Senate on Thursday, June 5, 2025, Kibwana called for urgent action, citing data that shows over 659,000 child deaths across Africa in 2022 were linked to antibiotic-resistant infections.

She said Kenya is among the countries experiencing a worrying increase in antibiotic misuse, driven by weak regulation and an underdeveloped medical infrastructure.

“Antibiotics meant to be used cautiously are being misused. This misuse comes from weak regulation, poor diagnostic systems, and insufficient medical infrastructure,” Kibwana said.

Deaths from resistance

Kibwana emphasized that antimicrobial resistance is no longer a future threat but a current crisis that is silently killing vulnerable populations, especially children.

She asked the Senate Health Committee to urgently seek a response from the Ministry of Health on the status of Kenya’s National Action Plan to tackle AMR and to provide updates on surveillance systems and prescription controls.

The senator also pointed to the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics and the growing practice of self-medication as key contributors to resistance.

She expressed concern that without timely reforms, Kenya’s public health gains could be reversed.

Call for reforms

She urged the Ministry of Health to provide a detailed account of efforts to regulate prescriptions for critical antibiotics, especially pediatric treatments.

Kibwana called for improvements in diagnostic services, healthcare worker training, and public awareness campaigns to combat the culture of casual antibiotic use.

“This is a crisis threatening our healthcare system and our national development,” Kibwana warned.

In line with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, she pressed for transparency on the implementation of Kenya’s National Action Plan on AMR.

She also encouraged the ministry to involve community health workers in sensitizing citizens on the responsible use of antibiotics.

Senate seeks action

The Senate Health Committee is expected to summon officials from the Ministry of Health in the coming weeks to respond to the concerns raised by Kibwana.

Her call comes as health experts globally warn that antibiotic resistance could become the next global health emergency if unchecked.

The issue is gaining traction in parliament amid growing fears that Kenya could face untreatable outbreaks if measures are not put in place to contain resistance now.