On Wednesday morning, 22nd November 2023, we, the Centre for Malaria Elimination (CME) joined a group of health enthusiasts, gathered at Thika Level 5, CHMT (County Health Management Team) towards a significant walk against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The team included nurses, nursing students, pharmacists, research assistants, and veterinary officers. Our participation in the walk was driven by our ongoing studies on AMR in Thika Level 5 Hospital and conducting a point prevalence study of AMR genes in Thika Sub-county. While our involvement didn’t involve formal presentations, our insights from these studies enriched our understanding of AMR, contributing to the collective effort to raise awareness and educate the community about this critical issue.
Armed with information, engaging presentations, and a collective determination, we enlightened and informed both patients and healthcare professionals about the gravity of AMR. We engaged with patients, discussing the importance of responsible antibiotic use, adherence to prescribed medication, and the risks associated with misuse. We also shed light on how AMR impacts human and animal health, emphasizing the need for prudent antibiotic practices in this specific healthcare domain.
The collaboration between nurses, nursing students, pharmacists, Veterinary officers and research assistants provided a multifaceted approach to our outreach efforts. As the morning progressed, our procession moved beyond the hospital premises, marching into Thika town. Captivating the road users with large AMR banners, navigating through the bustling streets, we seized the opportunity to engage with the public, disseminating information and encouraging conversations about AMR awareness.
We also proceeded to Thika Main Stage, a focal point for the community. Here, we intensified our efforts, delivering impactful presentations, and engaging with a larger audience. The aim was to extend our reach beyond healthcare facilities, reaching into the heart of the town and its diverse populace. Throughout our walk, our primary goal remained clear: to sensitize and educate. We aimed to empower individuals with knowledge about AMR, its implications, and the crucial role each person plays in combatting this global health threat.
While the walk concluded, its impact echoed far beyond the physical distance covered. The seeds of awareness sown in the minds of patients, healthcare workers, and the community at large are a testament to the power of collective action in addressing complex healthcare challenges. The culmination of our AMR awareness walk was marked by a significant gathering at Cascade Hotel, where a series of impactful speeches were given. The speakers represented various sectors integral to healthcare and AMR advocacy.
In her address, the Director of Nursing underscored the critical significance of attentive patient care. She urged healthcare professionals to listen attentively, highlighting how it fosters an open dialogue with patients, which is crucial for accurately prescribing the right medication. A representative from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board shed light on the crucial role of regulatory bodies in ensuring responsible antibiotic use. Their insights underscored the necessity for stringent guidelines to curb the misuse of antimicrobials. The labor representative brought a unique perspective, illuminating the intricate link between AMR and the broader societal framework. Their speech resonated with the audience, showcasing the interconnectedness of health, labor practices, and community well-being.
Representatives from various stakeholders, including student nurses, research assistants, and the County Health Coordinator, contributed diverse viewpoints, reinforcing the collective effort required to combat AMR. The veterinary officer in charge of Thika Sub-county highlighted a critical aspect: The heightened use of stronger antibiotics in veterinary settings, shared with humans, poses risks. It can spur antimicrobial resistance in bacteria, impacting treatment effectiveness for both animals and humans. The discussion broadened to encompass regional practices, where neighboring countries employ antivirals for pig fattening. Such cross-border practices pose a challenge, potentially contributing to the proliferation of AMR. Furthermore, concerns were voiced regarding the disposal of dairy products post-antibiotic administration for mastitis treatment, signifying a potential pathway for antibiotic residues entering the food chain.The officer also highlighted the complexity of tackling AMR. It’s not solely a human healthcare issue but a multifaceted challenge that spans across various sectors. The interconnected nature of antibiotic usage in humans, animals, and even agricultural practices poses a formidable hurdle in the battle against AMR.
To effectively combat AMR, the call was made to extend the conversation beyond human and animal health. It was stressed that incorporating the environmental department into this discourse is paramount. Environmental factors, including antibiotic residues in water sources or soil, play a significant role in the proliferation of resistance. The insights underscored the necessity for a cohesive, integrated strategy. Addressing AMR cannot be compartmentalized into separate fields; it necessitates collaboration across disciplines and sectors. Only through a unified effort encompassing human health, animal health, and environmental considerations (One health Approach) can meaningful progress be made against AMR. A representative for the focal county leader addressed on the commitment of local governance towards addressing the AMR crisis. Her message echoed the importance of collaborative efforts, community engagement, and policy implementation in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
As we reflect on the walk, the unity, collaboration, and determination exhibited by the diverse team underscore the importance of collective efforts in addressing AMR. Each step taken was not just a stride on the road but a step towards a future where responsible antibiotic use is ingrained in societal practices. To combat AMR, it’s a commitment to sustained education, advocacy, and collaborative action, ensuring that the message of antimicrobial stewardship resonates and endures.
