AMR ticking timebomb: Drug-resistant gonorrhea outbreak in Kenya major fertility threat, researchers warn

A strand of antimicrobial-resistant gonorrhoea outbreak has hit Kenya, according to researchers at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri).

The medics said the drug-resistant super gonorrhoea was first detected in samples taken from sex workers in the capital city, Nairobi, and other urban areas like Kiambu County.

The medical investigation was prompted by reports by medics indicating there was a surge in cases of patients seeking treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI) late last year, Dr Amina Abdullahi, one of the researchers who made the discovery at the globally revered research institution, told the local press. 

Researchers have raised alarm, warning that many Kenyans are carrying the incurable infection that is asymptomatic in some cases and can cause significant health challenges, including permanent damage to their reproductive systems.