Government says it remains committed to tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) which is becoming an escalating global health threat that needs urgent action.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Kennedy Lishimpi, expressed concern over the use of unprescribed antibiotics among the members of the public.
Dr Lishimpi explained that anti-microbial infectious diseases are becoming increasingly difficult to treat or cure because inappropriate use of antibiotics makes them stop working on what they were designed to cure or treat.
He said this in a speech read for him by Disease Control Assistant Director, Henry Phiri, during the Commonwealth Partnership for Antimicrobial Stewardship (CWPAMS) end of project event in Lusaka today.
“Each year, millions face prolonged illness, disability and death because at times, life-saving antibiotics no longer work as they should,” he said.
Dr Lishimpi added that routine procedures such as caesarean sections, cancer treatments, surgeries and management of pneumonia or sepsis become far riskier when antibiotics lose power.
He has however expressed confidence that the collective efforts under the Commonwealth partnerships will yield positive results.
He has since appealed for continued support towards the reduction of antimicrobial resistance.
Meanwhile, Global Health Partnerships Country Director, Muleba Matafwali, said the CWPAMS project has strengthened the health sector since it was implemented 5 years ago.
Ms Matafwali explained that through strong partnership with the Ministry of Health and United Kingdom (UK) partnership, inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics has dropped significantly from 66.9 percent to 36 percent across all health facilities in the country.
“The message is clear, the project has achieved and implemented what was supposed to be implemented. Its gains must be safeguarded and expanded,” she said.
And CWPAMS National Oversight Mechanism Director, Duncan Chanda, said the process of supporting rational antibiotic use and sustainable practices has enhanced patient outcomes.
Dr Chanda explained that ever since the project was implemented, the Ministry of Health has seen a reduction in the use of antibiotics and also health practitioners have applied knowledge gained from training and leadership skills.
He notes that these have resulted in improved clinical practices.
He has since reaffirmed commitment to continued collaboration in safeguarding global health.
