Ministry warns Kenyans on escalating antibiotic resistance
In a statement released on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the ministry stressed that antimicrobials remain a cornerstone in fighting infections in people, animals, and plants.
Kenyans have been urged to be vigilant as the Ministry of Health flags a growing crisis linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), warning that ordinary illnesses could soon defy treatment.
The alert comes amid widespread reliance on antibiotics without proper medical supervision, a practice that experts say is accelerating resistance.
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In a statement released on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the ministry stressed that antimicrobials remain a cornerstone in fighting infections in people, animals, and plants.
“Antimicrobials, essential for preventing and treating diseases in humans, animals, and plants, are losing effectiveness, leading to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR),” the statement read.
The ministry highlighted that ineffective drugs put the public at large at risk, not just individuals.
“When bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to these agents, infections become untreatable, posing severe risks including disease spread, severe illness, and death,” it said.
Health officials pointed out that misuse of antibiotics, such as stopping treatment early or buying drugs without prescriptions, is feeding the problem.
They warned that continued irresponsible use could mean longer treatments, stronger drugs, and preventable deaths even from minor infections.
The ministry called on Kenyans to take responsibility by using medicines carefully and following treatment instructions.
“It’s crucial to use antimicrobials wisely to prevent,” the statement said.
Farmers and veterinarians were also urged to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use in animals, as this can create resistant bacteria that spread to humans.
The ministry stressed that slowing AMR requires teamwork across society.
Protecting the effectiveness of these life-saving medicines is essential to ensure infections remain treatable, healthcare costs do not rise, and lives are preserved.
Without collective action, treatment options could shrink, leaving the population more vulnerable to diseases that were once easily managed.
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