Kenya health experts call for One Health approach to tackle antimicrobial resistance

KENYA – Health experts are calling for stronger coordination between human health, veterinary and agricultural sectors to tackle rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and reduce the spread of drug-resistant infections between animals and people.

The call was made during the launch of the International Center for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS) regional office in Nairobi, where researchers from across Africa discussed growing challenges linked to antimicrobial use.

Amref Africa Kenya Country Director Dr Meshack Ndirangu said AMR cannot be addressed by the health sector alone because resistance can move between people, animals and the environment.

“This is why Amref has made AMR central to health services because resistance does not stay in one sector. It moves between people, animals and the environment,” Ndirangu said.

He stressed the importance of protecting the veterinary sector, given the role of antimicrobial use in livestock production and animal health.

Ndirangu also highlighted the contribution of antifungal products used in vegetable production to antimicrobial resistance, calling for greater coordination among stakeholders across agriculture and health.

Antimicrobial use in animal health under scrutiny

The experts called for stronger policies governing antimicrobial use across Kenya’s health and agricultural sectors, including better coordination between the Ministries of Health and Agriculture and Livestock Development.

Ndirangu proposed a national policy framework covering antimicrobial use across the two sectors to improve coordination and treatment practices.

The Director of Veterinary Services at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr Allan Azegele, welcomed collaboration with ICARS, saying joint efforts are needed to develop practical solutions to AMR.

He also challenged African health researchers to take a leading role in tackling antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic misuse.

Stronger antimicrobial stewardship is increasingly important as producers seek to maintain animal health while reducing inappropriate antimicrobial use and protecting the effectiveness of medicines in the livestock and animal feed industries.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.