NAIROBI, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Kenya should take bold actions to contain the escalating crisis of anti-microbial resistance that is reversing gains made in the war against infectious diseases, scientists said on Wednesday.
The scientists, who spoke on the sidelines of a symposium on infectious diseases held in Nairobi, said that resistance to drugs has undermined efforts to eliminate disease causing pathogens.
"Anti-microbial resistance that has been on the rise in the country is to blame for slow progress towards elimination of communicable diseases," said Willie Sang, chief research officer at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).
He said that pathogens that cause infectious diseases have developed a high tolerance to drugs due to faulty prescriptions and non-adherence to recommended dosage.
"In some instances, the micro-organism responsible for killer diseases like typhoid, cholera and tuberculosis have developed 100 percent resistance to drugs based on our latest research," said Sang.
"At the same time, some pathogens have developed protective measures to withstand attack from anti-biotics," he added.
Sang urged enactment of strong regulations to curb misuse of anti-biotics that has fueled resistance.
"We require new guidelines for dispensation of anti-biotics while clinicians should base treatment on accurate diagnosis as we intensify efforts to eliminate anti-microbial resistance in the country," said Sang.
Kenya is among African countries with a high burden of anti-microbial resistance linked to environmental pollution and rampant use of agricultural chemicals.
Mourine Kangogo, a research scientist at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, said that investments in research, training, public awareness and modern diagnostic equipment is key to eliminating anti-microbial resistance.
"Improved waste management, sound regulations and development of vaccines will ultimately boost the fight against micro-organisms that are gaining resistance," said Kangogo.
Gunturu Revathi, an associate professor at Aga Khan University in Nairobi, said that better interaction between laboratory technicians, clinicians and patients is key to raise awareness on the rising threat of anti-microbial resistance in Kenya.
"Doctors require enhanced capacity to enable them detect drugs' resistance to pathogens," said Revathi.
Training of laboratory technicians, collaboration between scientists and clinicians, is a critical intervention to overcome anti-microbial resistance in the country, she added.
