State devises new antimicrobials use
GOVERNMENT has devised new approaches towards infectious diseases affecting human, animal and plant health through attention on Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR).
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Service Kennedy Malama, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the problem.
Speaking at the official opening of the implementation of Zambia’s Multi-sectoral National Action plan on Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) organised by Zambia National public health Institute in collaboration with centre for science and environment.
In a speech read by director of public health Andrew Silimesi on Friday, Dr. Malama said there was need to adequately develop policies on the use of AMRs.
He said one of the key strategies for reducing the emergence and spread of AMR was optimising the use of antimicrobials in human, animal, and plant health.
“Although intended for therapeutic use only in animals, antimicrobials, antibiotics in particular, are globally used for non- therapeutic purposes such as for growth promotion and mass disease prevention,” he said
He said Global guidance had emphasised the need for adequate policies to limit such non-therapeutic antibiotic use.
And Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Permanent Secretary David Shamulenge, represented by deputy director of veterinary medicine Francis Mulenga has called for research into AMR to help formulate informed policies.
Dr Shamulenge said prioritisation of livestock and fisheries development was an engine of economic growth and a key driver for economic diversification, job creation, and income generation and food and nutrition security.
Antimicrobial treatment is a major lifesaving intervention for infectious diseases. These can also be extensively used in animal health, agriculture and the environment sectors.
However, the persistent overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in all sectors has come along with the rise in antimicrobial resistance.
The effectiveness of this shared resource is now alarmingly being reduced by the emergence of drug resistant disease causing organisms.