November 27, 2023
Kitui County, through the ministries of Agriculture and Livestock, Health and Sanitation and Environment in collaboration with Caritas Kitui commemorated the Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week today at the Kitui Agricultural Training Centre.
This global campaign, observed annually from November 18 to 24, aims to enhance awareness and understanding of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) while promoting best practices using one health approach, which recognizes that the health of human, animals and environment are interlinked.
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve over time, rendering medicines ineffective. This phenomenon makes infections more challenging to treat, posing an increased risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. The World AMR Awareness week emphasizes the importance of preventing the further emergence and spread of AMR.
The theme for the World AMR Awareness Week 2023, “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together,” mirrors that of 2022, underscoring the universal impact of AMR on humans, animals, plants, and the environment. The interconnected nature of these sectors underscores the necessity for a united front in combating AMR. This year’s theme calls for cross-sectoral collaboration to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials.
Dr. Stephen Kimwele Mbaya, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock, outlined the Governor Dr. Malombe’s efforts to enhance extension services to farmers. He highlighted the importance of capacity-building programs to educate farmers on the proper use of antimicrobials.
Dr. Mbaya urged the Kitui AMR committee to customize the County Antimicrobial Resistance policy, providing guidelines on containment & Prevention of AMR. He pledged full support for the committee’s initiatives.
The Chief Officer for Drugs and Medical Supplies Aggrey Kamba, stressed the need for concerted efforts among partners to restrict the administration of antimicrobials in hospitals. He emphasized that reducing AMR requires prudent and appropriate use of antimicrobials across all sectors, preventive measures to decrease infection incidence, and proper practices in the disposal of antimicrobial-contaminated waste.
The meeting, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in collaboration with Caritas Kitui, was attended by key officials, including CECM for Environment Richard Mwendandu, Chief Officer Livestock Jonathan Kyambi, Dr. Kivunzya County Disease Surveillance-Livestock, Dr. Beatrice County Pharmacist, Ambrose Musyimi from Caritas Kitui, a representative from Kenyatta University Kitui campus, and other senior officials from the three ministries.
CGoK-Comm.Dept.