A nominated Senator has called for urgent government action to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), warning that it is fuelling a silent crisis responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of children across Africa.

In a statement presented to the Senate, Hamida Kibwana cited a recent global study showing that more than 659,000 children died on the continent in 2022 from infections that no longer respond to antibiotics. She noted that Kenya is witnessing a worrying rise in the misuse of high-risk antibiotics, including those meant to be used only as a last resort.

She attributed the surge to weak regulation, frequent misdiagnosis, and inadequate diagnostic capacity, which are allowing antibiotics to be overprescribed or used improperly in both hospitals and primary care settings.

Kibwana is now seeking a comprehensive response from the Ministry of Health, including an update on the status of Kenya’s National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance. She questioned whether the plan, developed in line with World Health Organization guidelines, is being implemented effectively, especially at the county level.

She further called for stronger regulation of antibiotic prescriptions, improved diagnostic systems, and increased public awareness to reduce misuse and prevent further resistance.

The senator’s request has been approved by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and is now under review by the Senate Health Committee.

“The rise of drug-resistant infections is not just a medical issue,” Kibwana said. “It is a national development challenge and a matter of life and death for our children.”