World Antimicrobial Awareness Week Recognized

AMPATH partners recognized World Antimicrobial Awareness Week November 18-24 with continuing medical education opportunities for hospital staff and students, outreach to healthcare workers and a procession with education for the public about antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

According to the World Health Organization, “AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines become ineffective and infections become increasingly difficult or impossible to treat.”

Some tips to prevent the misuse and overuse of antibiotics include:

  • Proper handwashing and sanitizing as the first line of defense against infections

  • Use only prescribed antimicrobials, exactly as prescribed and complete the dose

  • Don’t share or take leftover antibiotics

  • Avoid taking over the counter antibiotics for colds

  • Do not give antibiotics to animals that are not sick, or without veterinary advice

  • Vaccination is an infection prevention measure

At Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), an ongoing AMR project seeks to improve the knowledge and practice of health care workers in the management of infectious diseases and support MTRH’s efforts in antimicrobial stewardship. The project has made investments in the microbiology lab, supported the supply chain of reagents and materials for obtaining cultures, invested in infection control processes, and supported continuing medical education sessions for different cadres of healthcare workers. The work of Dr. Charles Kwobah and team has had a significant impact on clinician behaviors and clinical outcomes.

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