NAIROBI, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- A Kenyan scientist on Thursday urged collaborative research and enhanced interagency coordination to boost the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
James Kariuki, chief researcher at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) said there was a need for the government and bilateral partners to support evidence-based research and public awareness in order to strengthen the response to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance in the country.
"Kenya is no exception to the threat of antibiotic resistance hence the need for improved research and coordination to minimize its impact on human health and the environment," Kariuki said during an AMR symposium in Nairobi.
He said that with the increasing levels of international travel and trade, antibiotic resistance remained one of the biggest threats to the global economy, health, food security, and development. The misuse of antibiotics could undermine progress towards the realization of universal health coverage in the country.
"An overuse of antibiotics will result in a reduction of efficiency in the health system due to unnecessary expenses incurred and the need to treat resistant infections with more expensive drugs, this limits access to effective treatment when needed," said Kariuki.
Kenya has developed policy and regulatory frameworks to boost response to antibiotic resistance.
"We are also raising awareness on this menace while investing in capacity building and robust surveillance to eradicate antimicrobial resistance in the country," said Kariuki.
