Educate, Advocate, Act Now: MTRH Marks World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2024

“Antimicrobial resistance is invisible, but we are not!”

This is the chant heard from antimicrobial resistance (AMR) champions of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), as they proudly joined the global community in celebrating World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) from November 18-24.

Using the theme “Educate, Advocate, Act Now” the MTRH Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) Committee led by Celia Ng’etich, BPharm, Mclin Pharm, and AMPATH AMR Project team led by Charles Kwobah, MBChB, MMED, are shining a spotlight on the urgent need to combat AMR--a silent but deadly threat to global health.

The Fight against AMR and Why it Matters

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites adapt over time, rendering standard treatments ineffective. This makes infections harder to treat, leading to severe illness, prolonged hospital stays and increased mortality. The World Health Organization warns that without urgent action, AMR could reverse decades of medical progress and put millions of lives at risk. More than 39 million people around the world could die from antibiotic-resistant infections over the next 25 years, according to a study published in The Lancet.

At MTRH, combating AMR is not just a mission but a commitment. AMPATH’s AMR project is driving transformative changes that empower healthcare workers, improve diagnostics, and optimize antimicrobial stewardship.

Transforming Care through Various Initiatives:

  1. Timely Reporting of Microbiology Results
    One of the most impactful strides made by the AMPATH AMR Project is the dramatic improvement in microbiology reporting. Previously, preliminary culture data was not shared routinely with clinicians, delaying crucial decision-making. Today, results are delivered within 24-48 hours, enabling faster, targeted treatment. Moreover, the AMR team assists healthcare providers in interpreting these results, including identifying and discontinuing inappropriate antibiotics. This reduces the risks of AMR by ensuring only the most effective and necessary antimicrobials are used.

  2. An Infectious Disease Consult Service
    The AMR project supported the establishment of a formal infectious disease (ID) consult service in collaboration with MTRH, Moi University and AMPATH. This service offers invaluable support to clinicians managing complex infectious disease cases while simultaneously championing robust antimicrobial stewardship. By guiding the appropriate use of antibiotics, the ID consult service aims to decrease the misuse of antimicrobials and improve clinical outcomes.

  3. Hand Hygiene
    This remains our first line of defense. Through intensive awareness campaigns and practical training, the AMR team is ensuring that proper handwashing and sanitizing practices become second nature for healthcare workers and the public alike.

  4. Capacity Building for the Microbiology Laboratory
    With the AMR Project’s support, the microbiology lab at MTRH is now better equipped to handle advanced diagnostics. Investments in equipment and a reliable supply of reagents ensure accurate identification of infections which allows precise and timely treatment decisions.

  5. Education and Public Engagement
    Continuing medical education sessions for healthcare workers are central to this initiative. These sessions provide essential knowledge about AMR and antimicrobial stewardship, empowering clinicians to make informed, evidence-based decisions. Additionally, outreach programs, processions and public education campaigns extend this knowledge beyond the hospital and foster community-wide awareness.

Tips to Prevent Antimicrobial Misuse

To combat AMR, everyone has a role to play:

  • Practice proper hand hygiene consistently.

  • Use antibiotics only when prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.

  • Complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics.

  • Avoid using leftover or shared antibiotics.

  • Do not self-medicate with over-the-counter antibiotics for conditions such as colds.

  • Treat animals with antibiotics only under veterinary guidance.

  • Stay updated on vaccinations as a preventive measure.

Educate, Advocate, Act Now!

This year’s WAAW theme underscores the urgency of a united front in combating AMR. Education empowers healthcare workers and communities, advocacy amplifies the message, and action drives meaningful change.

The WAAW 2024 events recognized the profound contributions of partners through the AMPATH AMR Project. The initiatives—from rapid diagnostics to infectious disease consultation and stewardship—are paving the way for a future where antimicrobials remain powerful allies in healthcare.

Let’s educate ourselves, advocate for responsible antimicrobial use, and act decisively—because the time to act is now.

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