There is need for responsible use of medicines, since misuse of over-the-counter drugs is fuelling antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is a growing public health threat.
Speaking during a cancer awareness and screening medical camp at Ngiriambu Primary School in Kirinyaga County, Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni warned pharmacists against selling medications without a prescription or laboratory confirmation, noting that such practices contribute to the rise of drug-resistant infections.
Globally, antimicrobial resistance is directly linked to an estimated 1.27 million deaths in 2019 and contributed to nearly 5 million more, underscoring its severity.
Muthoni also called for collective action to tackle drug and substance abuse among Kenya’s youth, highlighting the dangers of illicit local brews and other substances.
Latest Ministry of Health surveys indicate substance misuse affects millions of young Kenyans, particularly alcohol, tobacco and cannabis users.