Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The antimicrobial drug market in Kenya is currently unregulated, and there is a lack of knowledge regarding the extent of antimicrobial use in peri-urban poultry farming. The overuse of anti-microbials, particularly antibiotics, is driving antimicrobial resistance, posing a global threat. An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) application was introduced among selected agrovets in Kajiado and Machakos counties in Kenya to track antimicrobial sales. The sales data from three months were then analysed.
64% of the purchases contained antibiotics, with 68% of these composed of multiple antibiotic classes. Oxytetracycline and tylosin in combination with doxycycline was the most utilized antibiotics. All substances in the ten most common antibiotic purchases are classified as highly or critically important for human medicine by the WHO. The most common reference for a purchase was a new prescription (33%), followed by no reference (31%). In 34% of the purchases, a specific product was requested.
Interviews about the ICT program were conducted in each county, with a total of 12 agrovets attending. The recording of their sales impacted their awareness of antibiotic usage and provided them with new insights. The biggest problem they faced as agrovets was the ethical dilemma of being educated on responsible antimicrobial use while depending on the sales of these products for their business. They found it challenging to steer buyers away from a specific product once their minds were made up. They expressed a desire for stronger regulations to protect their profession, as well as education on antimicrobials for farmers not conducted by pharmaceutical companies promoting their products.
The heavy reliance on antibiotics for treating sick animals, the common practice of self-treatment among farmers, and how past experiences influence drug choices are concerning. Further mapping and surveillance can enhance the precision of interventions aimed at reducing antimicrobial usage.