Armref Health Africa Country Director Dr.Meshack Ndirangu during the launch of the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS)on August 27, 2026[Benard Orwongo, Standard]
Misuse of antibiotics is highly contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), leaving patients with infections that are difficult and costly to treat, experts have warned.
Health experts say self-medication, buying antibiotics from chemists without prescriptions and failing to complete prescribed doses are among the practices fuelling the growing threat.
Amref Health Africa in Kenya Country Director Dr Meshack Ndirangu said some patients take antibiotics for shorter periods or at lower doses than prescribed.
This, he said give bacteria an opportunity to survive and develop resistance.
“Sometimes the drug works and now it is not working,” said Dr Ndirangu, also a public health leader and health systems innovator.
In an interview with The Standard, Ndurangu explained that taking an antibiotic for too short a period, or at too low dose may fail to eliminate the bacteria.
He said misuse also occurs when antibiotics are taken when they are not needed.