An Emerging Public Health Threat in Africa

Dr. Asweto Collins Otieno, a lecturer at the University of Embu, School of Nursing, Department of Community Health has authored a book chapter in Health and Medical Geography in Africa: Methods, Applications, and Development Linkages. Springer Nature. ISBN: 978-3-031-41267-7 together with Dr. Onyango Patrick Ogolla, a senior lecturer at Maseno University School of Biological and Physical Science, Department of Zoology.

This book chapter provides evidence for our understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and climate change by taking a public health-focused approach. Additionally, it sheds light on the aspects of climate change on the spread and proliferation of antibiotic resistance in Africa. Evidence shows that regional consumption drives selection for the carriage of genes conferring resistance to most antimicrobials. There were diverse patterns of resistance observed in the isolates and the prevalence of AMR in the wake of climate warming in Africa. Many African countries do not effectively implement existing policies and legislation, most notably the prohibition of over-the-counter antimicrobials, and monitoring AMR in agriculture and food production systems across the continent.
In conclusion, action is needed to combat AMR in all settings with the One Health concept in mind. It is important to increase the regulatory capacity of African countries to monitor AMR in agriculture and food production systems. The appropriate use and prescription of antibiotics must be addressed to target audiences in human health, animal health, and agriculture. Lastly, there is a need to develop new public health strategies for addressing climate change and infectious diseases together.
The book chapter has been published under the title, Antimicrobial Resistance in a Changing Climatic Context: An emerging public health threat in Africa, Chapter 10. In Yemi Adewoyin (Ed.), Health and Medical Geography in Africa: Methods, Applications, and Development Linkages, Springer Nature and can be accessed using this link.
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-41268-4_10