National Policy for the Prevention and Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance 2017

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health concern that has threatened the very core of modern medicine and effective response to infectious diseases. Effective antimicrobial drugs are vital for both preventive and curative measures, protecting patients from potentially fatal diseases and ensuring that treatment, complex procedures, such as surgery and chemotherapy, can be provided at low risk. The misuse and overuse of these antimicrobials in human medicine and food production have put every nation at risk considering that very few antimicrobial agents are in development. Without concerted and immediate action on a national scale, Kenya stands to diminish the tremendous gains made in the fight against infectious diseases. The policy adopted by the government comprises the following: the introduction, rationale, policy goals and objective, challenges, policy interventions and the implementation framework. The proposed policy interventions address the following objectives: Improving awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance; strengthening the knowledge and evidence base on AMR; reducing the incidence of infection; Optimizing the use of antimicrobials in human, animal and plant health; and supporting sustainable investment in new medicines, diagnostic tools, vaccines and other interventions. The policy recognizes the diversity in the different sectors and emphasizes that an all out effort is needed to effectively combat AMR.