2019 Update

Antimicrobial Stewardship

· Completed a point prevalence survey on antibiotic use in 3 major hospitals in Kenya and an  additional 3 high volume hospitals covered through partnerships with graduate student research.

· Development of National Antimicrobial Stewardship Guidelines is in progress due for completion by end of July 2019.

· Establishment of Stewardship Programmes in hospitals (piloting has been ongoing since January 2018 in 5 county hospitals in Kenya).

· Development of Guidelines on rational use of antibiotics in Animals completed and launched during the World Antibiotic Awareness Week 2018.

· Review of antibiotics import data is in progress since January 2019 through the National Medicines Regulatory Authority  alongside the mapping of medicines  along the veterinary supply chain.

Major challenges: Inadequate resources to support the development and implementation of the National Guidelines for Antimicrobial Stewardship at a National level.

STATUS OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE

Antibiotic resistance problems in Kenya stem from:

  • Lack of regulation in human use

  • Lack of surveillance of antibiotic use and resistance

  • Lack of updated antibiotic use and treatment guidelines

These problems challenge the ability to effectively treat infectious diseases that are prevalent in Kenya, such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and acute respiratory infections.

CHAPTER OVERVIEW

APUA Kenya was established in 2003.

Chapter Objectives and Priorities:

  • Establish a basic concept by which we could start a surveillance system to monitor drug resistance in certain key pathogens.

  • Develop a forum through which data from various projects and ad hoc studies may be collated and shared among stakeholders

  • Establish a forum for debate and consultation on how to impact policy regarding rational use of antibiotics.

CHAPTER ACTIVITIES

APUA Kenya Biosketch and Pilot Projects

APUA Kenya has worked in collaboration with other NGOs to engage in advocacy and continued medical education on prudent use of antimicrobials. The chapter has also been involved in surveillance activities, patient education, development of reports, and conferences.

CHAPTER LEADERSHIP

Sam Kariuki PhD - Medical Research
Faith Muli PhD – University
Rose Kakai PhD - University and Hospital
Paul Okemo PhD – University
Joseph Oundo PhD - Medical Research
Kiiyukia Ciira PhD - University