Integrating Antimicrobial Stewardship into Continuing Professional Development in Kenya

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health concern that threatens the very core of modern medicine and effective response to infectious diseases. With few new antimicrobial agents in development, the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in human medicine and food production places nations at risk. Kenya is no exception, and without concerted and immediate action at the national and local levels, the country stands to lose the tremendous gains made in the fight against infectious diseases.

A large proportion of antimicrobial prescriptions in Kenya are inappropriate. According to WHO, antimicrobial stewardship (AMS)―improving the use of antimicrobials―is one of the key interventions necessary to mitigate inappropriate use and contain AMR. The approach aims to narrow the gap between excess (too many antimicrobials for people who do not need them and too many large-spectrum antimicrobials used as the first choice) and access (not enough antimicrobials for people with severe infections).