Kiambu County marked the final day of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), which began on November 18, by highlighting the urgent need for responsible antibiotic use for various diseases to avert recurrence drug resistance.
The four day campaign opened with an awareness walk through Kiambu Town, attracting the participation of officials from the health, agriculture, fisheries and environment departments to sensitize the public on the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Held under the global theme “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together Act Now,” the activities underscored the need for joint action between communities, health workers and government agencies to preserve the effectiveness of life-saving antimicrobials.
The awareness walk, led by County Director of Health and AMR Focal Person Dr. Hillary Kagwa, emphasized the importance of the One Health Approach, which integrates human, animal, plant and environmental health in combating AMR.
“Kiambu is seeing increasing cases of infections that fail to respond to first-line medicines, a trend linked to misuse of antibiotics, self-medication and incomplete treatment doses,” said Dr. Kagwa. “We are seeing more patients whose conditions fail to respond to standard treatment. This shows that antimicrobial resistance is taking root,” he added
He urged residents to seek proper diagnosis, avoid buying antibiotics over the counter, and complete all medication exactly as prescribed.
Throughout the week, county teams’ sensitized residents on correct antimicrobial use in humans, animals and crops, as well as safe disposal practices to prevent environmental contamination.
The multi-sector activities, held in collaboration with the Departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, align with national efforts led by the Ministry of Health and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship.
Officials highlighted national measures such as the Kenya Surveillance System for Antimicrobial Consumption (KESAC), launched in October 2024 to track antibiotic use — and the Ministry of Health’s ongoing review of its AMR Communication Strategy (2024–2028), which adopts a One Health framework.
County leaders used the final day of WAAW to reinforce messages on hygiene, the dangers of self-prescribing antibiotics, and the risk of accelerating drug resistance when treatment courses are not completed.
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week is observed globally from November 18 to 24 to promote responsible antimicrobial use and reduce the spread of drug-resistant infections.
By Kevin Karanja
