In a significant call to action, experts have urged the Kenyan government to allocate a dedicated budget for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to ensure effective implementation of its national action plan.
According to Dr Emmanuel Tanui, deputy chief Pharmacist and AMR focal point person at the Ministry of Health (MoH), there is an urgent need and importance of financial commitment in tackling AMR.
“It is crucial to have a dedicated budget to address gaps in the implementation of the AMR national action plan,” Dr. Tanui stated.
He pointed out that while AMR is a natural phenomenon, its acceleration due to misuse of antimicrobials necessitates a robust and well-funded response.
Dr. Tanui stressed the need for investments in several key areas, including microbiology diagnostics, laboratory human resource capacity, and a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health.
He also highlighted the importance of antimicrobial stewardship programs and infection prevention and control practices.
“We should invest in functional systems that can mount an effective and responsive approach to mitigate AMR,” he added.
The experts were speaking at an event hosted by the Coalition for Health Research and Development (CHReaD),the event highlighted the critical need for increased investment in AMR countermeasures to combat this growing threat.
The discussions also revolved around the intersection of research, innovation, and the One Health approach to tackling AMR.
The experts underscored the urgent need for better waste management practices to curb environmental contamination with pharmaceutical and agricultural wastes, which exacerbate AMR.
Dr. Tanui called for advocacy towards prioritizing the procurement of incinerators for all county referral hospitals to ensure proper disposal of hospital waste.
“We also need advocacy to create awareness among hospital waste handlers about proper disposal practices,” he added.
Dr. Robert Onsare, Deputy Director of One Health Research Programs at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), echoed Dr. Tanui’s sentiments, urging the government to increase funding for AMR research. He highlighted the need for a robust biobanking facility to study pathogen profiles and resistance patterns.
“Researchers at KEMRI work on studying pathogen profiles and identifying unique resistance profiles for archiving and characterization using genome sequencing,” Dr. Onsare explained.
Sam Makau, Project Coordinator at CHReaD, emphasized the positive impact of adequate funding on health research and economic growth.
He pointed to successful examples from other countries, such as South Africa, and criticized Kenya’s current low expenditure on research and development. “While Kenya is committed to scientific advancements, the World Bank data indicates that our total expenditure on R&D stands at just 0.7 percent,” Makau noted.
Imali Ngusale from the African Centre for Health Climate Change and Gender highlighted the role of climate change in exacerbating AMR, urging for a One Health approach that includes reducing antibiotic use in animal production.
“Climate change has altered patterns of pathogen outbreaks and increased resistance,” she said.
Evaline Kibuchi, Coordinator of Stop TB Partnership Kenya, called for greater involvement of civil society and communities in AMR efforts.
“There is a need to engage a network of champions to advocate and enhance community awareness on AMR,” Kibuchi emphasized.
Dr. John Kariuki, a veterinary scientist and AMR expert, warned that AMR could turn minor infections fatal if left unchecked.
He urged for the use of proper AMR diagnostics to ensure prudent antimicrobial use.
“When AMR happens, minor infections can become life-threatening,” Dr. Kariuki cautioned.
The experts concluded that for effective implementation of National AMR Action Plan (NAP) and implementation of AMR countermeasures, strategic action and objectives , Kenya must increase its investment and commitment to combatting AMR to safeguard public health and prevent future crises.
