Health Experts Warn of Rising Antibiotic Misuse as AMR Threatens Lives
By Informative Standard
Health experts in Kenya have raised alarm over the growing misuse of antibiotics, warning that the trend is accelerating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and posing a serious threat to human and animal health.The warning was issued during the National Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance held in Mombasa, which brought together researchers, clinicians, policymakers, county health officials, and development partners to chart a coordinated response to the AMR crisis.
Addressing the media, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Board Chair Dr. Abdullahi Ali said the use of antibiotics without medical prescription is rendering common treatments ineffective, increasing the risk of severe complications and deaths“Antimicrobial resistance is not only a medical issue, it is a governance and policy challenge that threatens Kenya’s aspirations for Universal Health Coverage, health security, and economic development,” Dr. Ali said.
Paediatrician Dr. Saumu Wayua from Mombasa County warned that misuse of antibiotics can lead to serious health complications, including kidney damage, especially among children and other vulnerable populations.
Researchers noted that several diseases which were previously easy to treat are now becoming increasingly resistant due to inappropriate antibiotic use. According to KEMRI Director General Prof. Sam Kariuki, these include tuberculosis (TB), cholera, HIV-related infections, and typhoid fever.
Prof. Kariuki emphasized the need for evidence-based decision-making, noting that weak surveillance systems and poor use of data continue to undermine efforts to contain AMR.
Addressing the conference, Dr. Ali highlighted the importance of the One Health Approach, which promotes coordinated action across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. He said KEMRI has fully institutionalised the approach and established a multidisciplinary AMR programme to coordinate research activities across the country.
However, he noted that despite Kenya making commendable progress in developing AMR policies and institutional frameworks, implementation remains a major challenge, particularly at the county level.
“Evidence from KEMRI and our partners points to uneven surveillance coverage, limited routine use of AMR data for decision-making, and fragmented accountability across institutions,” he said.
Officials from the Ministry of Health and county governments echoed the concerns, calling for stronger regulation of antimicrobial use, enhanced infection prevention and control measures, and improved coordination between national and county health systems.
The calls from development partners and regulatory agencies for increased investment in laboratory capacity, antimicrobial stewardship programmes, and public awareness campaigns to curb misuse of antibiotics in both humans and livestock.
Health experts urged the government to increase funding for research institutions to strengthen surveillance systems, improve data quality, and ensure scientific evidence informs policy, clinical practice, and regulation.
The conference underscored the need for collective action across government, research institutions, healthcare providers, and communities to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Source : Health Experts Warn of Rising Antibiotic Misuse as AMR Threatens Lives