THE Zambia National Health Public Institute-ZNPHI has expressed worry over the growing number of citizens accessing over-the-counter medicine.
ZNPHI Acting director general Nyambe Sinyange says over-the -counter drugs are a contributor to an increase in the number of deaths and antimicrobial resistance-AMR among citizens.
Speaking in Chilanga during the official opening of a 5-day national stakeholders midterm Review Meeting of Zambia’s One Health National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance which ends in 2027. Dr Sinyange has urged participants to formulate strategies that will be actualized at both national and international level.
Dr Sinyange says antimicrobial resistance remains a major public health threat among humans and animals.
He said there is need to create awareness in communities about the dangers of the antimicrobial resistance.
Dr Sinyange further asked for a multisectoral and holistic approach in addressing the antimicrobial resistance.
He also advised the medical experts to develop lasting solutions that will benefit the local people and ensure their safety against antimicrobial resistance.
He emphasized the need for the quick operationalization of the antimicrobial resistance strategies that will be put in place.
Dr Sinyange has since called for the reflection on the COVID-19 era during which certain medicines such as azithromycin was abused by many people leading up to antimicrobial resistance and subsequent death.
Speaking earlier, ReAct Africa Country director Mirfin Mpundu has assured close cooperation with government and other partners in the fight against antimicrobial resistance and other public health emergencies.
Dr Mpundu says stakeholder involvement in addressing challenges facing the health sector is critical adding that government alone cannot manage all the projects that needs implementation.
