Launch of New Health Initiatives to Combat Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance

Nyeri, Kenya: Nyeri County has unveiled the 2023-2025 work plans for its newly established County Infection Prevention and Control Advisory Committee (CIPCAC) and County Antimicrobial Stewardship Interagency Committee (CASIC). The announcement came during a ceremony held on Tuesday, where Dr. Joseph Kiragu, the County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Health Services, highlighted the critical importance of these initiatives in tackling emerging health issues.

According to Kenya News Agency, the collaboration between these committees is essential for a strategic approach to infection prevention and control, as well as antimicrobial resistance (AMR). He expressed pride in Nyeri County being the first in Kenya to develop a CASIC work plan, a project initiated in 2020 following the establishment of the CASIC committee in March 2019. Dr. Oscar Agoro, appointed as the County Focal Person, along with representatives from the Departments of Agriculture and Environment, have been pivotal in this venture.

The success in combating AMR in Nyeri has been attributed to the combined efforts of these departments, supported by various stakeholders. Boniface Macharia, the focal person for Infection Prevention and Control, mentioned significant achievements like an established IPC Programme and enhanced staff training.

Dr. Agoro reported a notable decrease in AMR, from 61% in 2019 to 47.6% in 2023. This reduction is credited to the rigorous promotion of safe antibiotic use and disposal, and a multi-sectorial approach involving the agricultural sector to address AMR risks transmitted from animals to humans.

Dr. Ndinda Kusu, Country Director at USAID Mtaps Programme, also present at the event, commended the Nyeri team for their dedication to quality and result-oriented efforts towards community health and safety.