Kenya’s approach to tackling drug-resistant bacteria laudable

Over the last half century, Kenya has made significant progress in the control of infectious diseases in humans and animals. Antibiotics have been critical tools in this progress, but their efficacy is now at risk due to the global rise in drug-resistant bacteria that can no longer be treated by existing medicines.

This phenomenon is known as Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and, because resistant bugs can spread from animals and the environment to people and vice versa, this resistance can spread across countries and continents.

Drug resistant microbes do not respect international borders, so regional engagement, such as working with our neighbours to collectively implement harmonised AMR standards is vital.

The recently published World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Report on antimicrobial agents intended for use in animals shows that, across Africa, the resources and technical capability to monitor antimicrobials is expanding. Initially, not many African countries contributed quantitative data to the OIE’s database, but many more are now doing so.

In January, the World Health Organization (WHO) published its list of global health priorities for 2019 and it is no surprise that antimicrobial resistance appears on this list. Kenya has taken a lead on the African continent in the effort to safeguard precious antimicrobials, including antibiotics, for many generations to come.

Kenya, through a multi-sectoral approach, has done this by developing an antimicrobial resistance policy that translates into preventative actions on the ground.

Holistic strategy

In the same breath, Kenya has developed and is currently implementing a comprehensive communications strategy that aims to sensitise farmers, veterinarians and technical specialists to the importance of minimizing the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Kenya shared with the rest of the world this experience at the OIE 2nd Global Conference on Antimicrobial Use in Animals held in Marrakesh, Morocco last October.The campaign against AMR cannot be won without top-level political leadership.  A One Health approach is needed if the battle against AMR is to be won. A One Health approach is a holistic strategy that encompasses human, animal and environmental health, because the active ingredients in antimicrobials used to treat disease in humans, are often the same as those we use for animals.

It is encouraging that our government has taken clear steps in recent years to adopt a One Health approach, including the creation of the Zoonotic Disease Unit (ZDU), which brings together veterinary and human doctors is working towards the development of strategies to prevent and control diseases shared between animals and humans.

Better sanitation

In Kenya, as in many countries, farmers do not have the requisite education to diagnose and treat infections. Accordingly, to prevent them from misuse of critical drugs, it must be explained to farmers why it is imperative to consult a veterinarian to treat sick animals. At the same time, veterinarians must be empowered to stand up to farmers who are not adhering to the appropriate standards.

This is particularly critical when it comes to the use of antibiotics to artificially promote growth in animals, since this has contributed to the development of resistance to antibiotics. Kenya has a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) through which animal health professionals learn more as they practice.

Veterinarians have a key role in monitoring the use of antibiotics and on educating the farmers on the need for viable alternatives to using antimicrobials, for example better sanitation, hygiene and good nutrition.

These practices reduce the incidence of infection in livestock and, by extension, the need for antimicrobials. Vaccination is also a strong alternative that could be rolled out more widely across countries.

Finally, high-level leadership must coincide with public awareness campaigning. Currently, there is no available data on how the general public in Kenya perceive the threat of antimicrobial resistance. Kenya through a One Health Approach plans to carry out a Knowledge Attitudes and Practices (KAP) exercise on antimicrobials and use the results to review our current communication strategy.

No matter which sector you are in, everyone has a duty to safeguard existing antibiotics for future generations through prudent use. By sharing knowledge and promoting public understanding, we can start to turn the tide on antimicrobial resistance.

Dr Njagi is the Director of Veterinary Services