The Public Health Secretary, Mary Muthoni, has cautioned Kenyans against over-reliance on over-the-counter drugs such as antibiotics.
PS Muthoni noted that the misuse of the drugs could lead the body to become immune to the antibiotics, ultimately defeating their benefits when most needed.
“We are asking members of the public to avoid over-the-counter medication and prescribing drugs for themselves. It is important to note that antibiotic resistance is a reality now”, the PS stated.
“We request that members of the public, should you get unwell, please visit a health facility where you will find a skilled healthcare workforce to guide you and prescribe to you the kind of drugs that you require for your body and your ailments”, she added.
PS Muthoni further explained that antimicrobial resistance was a growing problem, not just in Kenya but globally, due to individuals everywhere resorting to treating themselves for the slightest ailments.
The Ministry of Health cited ailments like cold and flu as some for which most Kenyans rely on over-the-counter medications to treat, warning that it could be a form of drug abuse.
The Ministry, therefore, called upon all stakeholders, public, private, faith-based development partners and citizens to stand united in confronting the national health issue.
