Health Department Raises Awareness on Responsible Antibiotic Use

Kiambu – The Department of Health Services in Kiambu County organized a walk on Wednesday to sensitize the public on the responsible use of antibiotics, marking the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW). The global event, themed ‘Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together,’ involved healthcare workers educating the public on the necessity of proper diagnosis before consuming antimicrobial agents.

According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Hillary Kagwa, who spearheaded the event, the misuse and overuse of antimicrobial agents like antibiotics are major contributors to the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified AMR as one of the top ten threats to global public health, occurring when microbes adapt to antibiotics, making infections harder to treat and leading to severe illnesses or deaths.

Dr. Kagwa emphasized the importance of public education and patient sensitization in preventing AMR. He strongly discouraged over-the-counter antibiotic use and advised seeking medical consultation from licensed practitioners in case of illness. Dr. Kagwa also acknowledged the Ministry of Health’s efforts through the AMR coordination mechanism, implementing the one health approach system for more research and collaborative efforts.

He called on the National Government to provide funding for routine surveillance and continuous research on AMR, stressing the need for a coordinated approach to tackle this global health challenge.