Regional Meeting in Nairobi Aims to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Threat
Nairobi, KENYA - 7th August 2023 - Health officials and policymakers from 16 countries in East and Southern Africa have converged in Nairobi for a crucial regional meeting tackling the urgent issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The "Regional Meeting to Review Antimicrobial Stewardship Guidelines and Implementation of AMR Surveillance," taking place from 7th to 12th August 2023, aims to devise collaborative strategies and a unified approach to combat the growing threat of AMR and safeguard public health.
In her opening remarks, Cabinet Secretary of Health, Nakumicha S. Wafula, emphasized the urgency of collective efforts to address AMR. Acknowledging the grave global threat posed by AMR, East and Southern African nations recognized the pressing nature of the issue within their region.
The CS advocated for a comprehensive One-Health Approach, integrating efforts across human health, animal health, and the environment, to prevent the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance while promoting responsible use of antibiotics.
Furthermore, the Cabinet Secretary stressed the importance of continued collaboration with international partners and the global community to effectively combat this global crisis.
In addition, she underscored the need to strengthen AMR surveillance systems and emphasized transparent information sharing to identify resistance patterns and track emerging threats, enabling timely interventions.
The CS called for responsible use of antimicrobial drugs to preserve their effectiveness for current and future generations. She urged healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities to raise awareness about AMR and its implications.
Expressing gratitude to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the East, Central, and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) for organizing the workshop, the Cabinet Secretary highlighted its significance in confronting AMR collectively.
The regional meeting served as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, best practices sharing, and capacity building.