Kenya Surveillance System for Antimicrobial Consumption

Nairobi, Kenya – In a significant step towards tackling the mounting threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Kenya has introduced its first national system to monitor the consumption of critical drugs, including antibiotics and antifungals.

The initiative, known as the Kenya Surveillance System for Antimicrobial Consumption (KESAC), aims to curb the overuse and misuse of these medications, which has been a leading factor in the diminishing effectiveness of treatments.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), Kenya’s drug regulatory authority, officially launched KESAC in Nairobi. Dr. Fred Siyoi, Chief Executive Officer of the PPB, highlighted the critical need for a robust surveillance system.

“Without systematic monitoring, we cannot fully understand our antimicrobial consumption patterns or their link to resistance trends,” he noted. “If AMR remains unchecked, we risk losing the ability to treat infections that were once manageable.”

AMR, which occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites adapt to withstand previously effective medications, has posed an increasingly urgent global health threat.

The effects are severe: common infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and malaria become harder to treat, leading to extended illnesses, higher medical costs, and elevated mortality rates.

In Kenya alone, AMR was responsible for an estimated 8,500 deaths in 2019, according to data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington.

The newly implemented KESAC system will allow the PPB to monitor the full pharmaceutical supply chain, tracking antimicrobial distribution from manufacturers to healthcare providers across the country.

This comprehensive data will provide critical insights into consumption trends, guiding more effective interventions to curb improper antimicrobial use. “With this system, we’re set to make evidence-based decisions, reduce irrational drug use, and protect public health,” added Dr. Siyoi.

PPB regulatory officer Dr. Karim Wanga emphasized that indiscriminate use, overuse, and poor disposal of antimicrobials in human, animal, and environmental contexts are driving AMR.

The presence of antimicrobials in the environment has also intensified resistance, creating new challenges in public health. “Global deaths due to drug-resistant infections could soar from the current 700,000 to 10 million per year by 2050 if no action is taken,” he warned.

Following the launch, the PPB will initiate training for key stakeholders, including local manufacturers, importers, distributors, and community pharmacies, ensuring that all parties are equipped to utilize KESAC effectively.

“Rolling out KESAC at various levels of the supply chain will be resource-intensive, but it’s essential to achieve the intended outcomes,” Dr. Wanga noted.

Additionally, Dr. Rosemary Njogu, another PPB regulatory officer, explained that data gathered from KESAC would be invaluable for healthcare professionals and policymakers. “This system will be crucial for informing national action plans against AMR and ensuring they’re backed by real-time data.”

Global Commitment to Curb AMR

The launch of KESAC comes shortly after a political declaration on AMR was endorsed by global leaders at the 79th UN General Assembly. This declaration set ambitious targets, including reducing the estimated 4.95 million AMR-related deaths annually by 10% by 2030.

Although the declaration is not legally binding, it outlines significant steps, such as enhancing national funding for AMR action plans and contributing $100 million to the Antimicrobial Resistance Multi-Partner Trust Fund.

The declaration calls on at least 60% of countries to have funded AMR action plans by 2030. It also set a goal that 70% of antibiotics used globally in human healthcare should be classified under the WHO Access group, which comprises drugs with fewer side effects and a reduced risk of causing AMR.

Notably, the declaration encourages countries to secure diverse funding sources, including support for the Antimicrobial Resistance Multi-Partner Trust Fund, which aims to have at least 60 percent of nations fully finance their AMR action plans by 2030.

A Landmark Step for Kenya

With KESAC in place, Kenya joins a global movement to address the AMR threat. By gathering and leveraging data on antimicrobial use, the country aims to reduce drug misuse, safeguard effective treatments, and protect its population from the growing threat of drug-resistant infections.