Kenya is grappling with the silent growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) with experts warning that lack of accurate data from individuals and limited diagnostic capacity may worsen the economic impact if nothing is done.
In a recent discussion in Nairobi, experts drawn from a range of fields including Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Ministry of Health, World Health Organization officials, Civil Society Organizations representatives emphasized on the need for more resources on research.
Dr Emmanuel Tanui Deputy Director of Pharmaceutical Services in the Ministry of Health and the National AMR Focal Point, says that the fight against this challenge has worsened due to limited diagnostic capacity in public hospitals in Kenya.
“Majority of our laboratories lack capacity to diagnose AMR, less than 20% of our labs have the capacity, so let’s strengthen the capacity of our labs and leverage on Information Technology like TikTok, Instagram, so that we can reach more people to advocate on AMR and leverage on existing structures,” said Dr Tanui.
AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and become resistant to the medications typically used to treat infections. This resistance can lead to prolonged illnesses, higher medical costs, and increased mortality.
“We must reduce the need for antibiotics, improve diagnostic tools, and enhance monitoring and evaluation frameworks,” he said.
The Economic Impact of AMR
The economic toll is severe with an advocacy call to leaders to recognize it as it may be one of the leading causes of death globally if nothing is not done.
“Dr. John Kariuki, an AMR survivor, shared his personal experience, revealing that he never imagined the impact AMR would have on his life. ‘I spent four months in the hospital, with my medical bill rising to Sh 4.5 million ($35,000),’ said Kariuki.
Kariuki advocates for One Health Approach that is basically integrating human, animal and environmental health in addressing AMR.
One Health approach is a collaborative, multi-sectoral, and transdisciplinary strategy that recognizes the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and the environment. It aims to improve health outcomes and prevent risks that arise at the intersection of these three domains
“AMR is invisible and humans are visible, advocacy does not know AMR, nobody is invisible as far as AMR is concerned, AMR does not discriminate, minor infections can lead to deaths, lets join hands in prevention,” added Dr Kariuki.
Both Dr Tanui and Dr Kariuki advocates for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices and enhanced surveillance systems and promotion of education on the dangers of antibiotic misuse.
“We need to strengthen diagnostic capacity and raise awareness among all stakeholders,” said Dr Tanui. “Infection Prevention Control (IPC) measures must be embraced, and the use of antibiotics in animals should be discouraged.”
The discussion convened partners from across the region to deliberate on matters AMR and endorse its regional and national position statements for the UN High-Level Meeting (UNHLM) on Antimicrobial Resistance AMR.
Imali Ngusale, Technical Lead at the African Centre for Health, Climate, and Gender Justice Alliance, addressed the link between climate change, AMR, and the poultry industry during the recent discussion. She pointed out that the recent floods had washed away essential products used to feed chickens, forcing farmers to explore alternative feeding options.
“We lack sufficient data to correlate with antibiotic use in poultry farming. This data is critical to determining whether antibiotics are necessary and understanding the potential consequences of their use,” Ngusale reiterated
She advocated for regenerative agriculture as a potential solution to the growing problem of antibiotic misuse in livestock farming. “Regenerative farming aims to ensure that beef and poultry farmers refrain from using antibiotics unless necessary and to fully understand the repercussions of such use,” she said.
In the discussion, experts urged the government to prioritize AMR in its health budget to address the lack of data and diagnostic capacity, which is hampering efforts to curb its spread.
What Are the Solutions?
Despite the challenges, some progress is being made. The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has allocated more funding to research on AMR, with increased support for grants and research initiatives. However, experts say more must be done to address the lack of diagnostic infrastructure and training in many laboratories across the country.
Dr Robert Onsare senior research scientist at KEMRI said that they have build a case to be able to increase funding that comes to KEMRI. “Research has increased for Research and Development, we have grants and various groups are applying for the funds to be able to do more research,” said Onsare.
Evaline Kibuchi emphasized that leveraging on existing structures since they are already established and the challenges cut across various diseases, she said that they will also help in minimizing the available resources.
“The use of the existing structures is a solution to minimize the resources needed for new interventions,” said Kibuchi.
Stakeholders also suggested using social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to raise awareness among younger populations.
Why is This Urgent?
AMR has been a growing concern globally, and the issue will be highlighted at the United Nations General Assembly’s High-Level Meeting on September 26, 2024. The meeting will focus on the theme, “Investing in the present and securing our future together: Accelerating multi-sectoral global, regional, and national actions to address Antimicrobial Resistance.” Kenyan stakeholders including Imali Ngusale from the African Center For Health, Climate & Gender Justice Alliance (ACHCGA), are ramping up local discussions ahead of this meeting to align with global efforts.
How Can Kenya Move Forward?
To tackle AMR effectively, stakeholders are calling for better data collection and sharing, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where accurate information is scarce. “In the Global North, data collection is more advanced. Kenya must adopt similar practices to better understand the economic and health impacts of AMR,” said Dr Tanui.
While civil society support and political commitment remain low, experts stress that political will is crucial for progress. “For any real change to happen, it must start with political willingness,” added Kibuchi.
As Kenya prepares for the UN General Assembly meeting, stakeholders hope that these discussions will lead to concrete actions to combat the growing threat of AMR.