Description
Alexander Flemming’s penicillin discovery was the most important advances of modern science because it reduced mortality and alleviated suffering but Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is threatening such advances. AMR is where infectious microorganisms do not respond to any drug given in equal doses or higher than those required. AMR has become a global concern due to its negative effect on the economy through high cost of treatment, research and emergence of untreatable diseases. World health organization (WHO) setting first World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) in November 2015, was a commendable move. Fiji is the first country to develop and roll out a national plan for AMR and marking it annually therefore setting pace globally. Kenya has subsequently launched its National Action Plan on 13th November 2017 during the WAAW. Despite efforts made, there are challenges including inadequate reliable surveillance data which monitors antimicrobial use and detect occurrence and spread of AMR bacteria, limited awareness of factors promoting the emergence, maintenance and transmission of AMR and inaccessibility of quality health care in developing countries. Interventions like public health education together with new antimicrobial strategies, legislative measures, and vaccine development to prevent health care associated pathogens can be used to mitigate this menace. To explore this research current articles, journals, entries and previous published works related to AMR from 2001-2018 were reviewed, focusing on; emergence, reasons for resistance, factors contributing to AMR, tests available to diagnose and identify resistance, global health effects, and measures to mitigate AMR. It was found that, unnecessary antimicrobial prescription imposed microorganisms to selective pressures, antimicrobials use in agriculture to promote animal growth and genetic factors intrinsic to microorganism promoting AMR. Guidelines on over-the-counter accessibility of antibiotics, regular hand washing and improving infection prevention and control are recommended approaches.
Key Words: Antimicrobial Resistance,Mortality, Prevention and Control
