MTRH Leads Community in Marking World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, Calls for Urgent Action on Rising AMR Threat
The event kicked off with a high-energy awareness walk through the streets of Eldoret City, flagged off by the Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Philip Kirwa. Health workers, medical students, community health volunteers, and members of the public participated in the procession, which aimed to draw attention to the dangers posed by misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, including antibiotics.
This year’s theme, "Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future," underscores the urgency of addressing AMR through coordinated, multisectoral action. MTRH officials emphasized that antimicrobial resistance is no longer a distant concern but a present and escalating threat affecting health systems, food production, and the environment.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Kirwa called on medical professionals to lead by example in promoting responsible use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs.
“I call on health professionals to champion rational use of antibiotics; every appropriate prescription, every clean pair of hands, and every informed decision contributes to a safer future,” he said. “Our collective vigilance today determines the health outcomes of tomorrow.”
Dr. Kirwa warned that the rise of drug-resistant infections could reverse decades of medical progress, making common illnesses harder to treat and routine procedures significantly riskier.
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, observed globally from November 18–24, aims to educate communities about AMR—a phenomenon where disease-causing microorganisms become resistant to drugs, rendering treatments ineffective. Experts warn that if left unchecked, AMR could result in millions of deaths annually, increased medical costs, livestock losses, and broader economic disruption.
MTRH officials highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between the human health, veterinary, agricultural, pharmaceutical, and environmental sectors. They noted that misuse of antimicrobials in livestock and poor disposal of medical waste contribute significantly to the spread of resistant microbes.
During the event, health educators conducted roadside demonstrations on proper hand hygiene, rational drug use, and the dangers of self-medication. Participants distributed informational leaflets to residents and engaged in public dialogues aimed at dispelling myths about antibiotics, particularly the belief that they can cure viral infections such as colds and flu.
MTRH’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) team emphasized the importance of community involvement in combating AMR. They called on households to avoid purchasing antibiotics over the counter without prescriptions, complete prescribed dosages, and practice good hygiene to reduce infections that require antimicrobial treatment.
The hospital plans to continue AMR awareness activities throughout the week, including training workshops for healthcare providers, school outreach programs, and panel discussions featuring experts in infectious diseases, pharmacy, and public health.
As the event concluded, Dr. Kirwa reiterated that addressing antimicrobial resistance requires immediate, collective, and sustained action, stressing that the responsibility must be shared by all.
“AMR is not a hospital problem—it is a societal challenge. We must all act now to secure the future for our families, communities, and generations to come,” he said.
With AMR threatening to become one of the world’s most serious health challenges, MTRH’s proactive engagement reflects Kenya’s commitment to safeguarding public health and promoting responsible antimicrobial use at every level of society.
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