Alarm raised over antibiotic misuse

A global report commissioned by the British Government has proposed that greater restrictions be made on prescribing antibiotics to patients. FILE PHOTO

What you need to know:

  • The report suggests that patients should first undergo a test to determine if they have a bacterial infection before getting antibiotics.
  • The document further notes that the cost of inaction could result in 10 million deaths annually by 2050, at an estimated cost of $100 trillion (Sh10 quadrillion).

Drug-resistant infections could become major causes of death in the world unless urgent action is taken to control antibiotic use, a report has warned.

A global report commissioned by the British Government has proposed that greater restrictions be made on prescribing antibiotics to patients.

The report suggests that patients should first undergo a test to determine if they have a bacterial infection before getting antibiotics.

Resistance to antibiotics has been on the rise over the years, and should the drugs lose their effectiveness completely, even routine medical procedures such as circumcision could result in death.

The document further notes that the cost of inaction could result in 10 million deaths annually by 2050, at an estimated cost of $100 trillion (Sh10 quadrillion).

Drug-resistant infections are caused by over-prescribing antibiotics to treat minor ailments.

The Centre for Disease Control says antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in a way that reduces the effectiveness of drugs such as antibiotics, chemicals or other agents that could otherwise be counted on to cure or prevent infections.

With time, infections stop responding to treatment, making an illness last for longer periods and possibly ending in death.

According to the report, drug-resistant infections kill 700,000 people globally every year.

According to Ministry of Health statistics, 305 cases of multi-drug-resistant TB were reported in Kenya in 2015.

In 2014, there were 283 cases, while in 2013, the number was 285. A total of 82 cases were recorded in 2006.

Last year, the Health ministry said Kenya spends Sh1 billion to treat multi-drug-resistant TB annually. The treatment of drug-resistant TB costs at least Sh2 million per person for a period lasting about two years.