UK donates Ksh38 billion to Kenya to fight deadly antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
3 min read
Kenya among beneficiaries of UK donation in global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance
Kenya among beneficiaries of UK donation in global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance.
In order to aid in the fight against the deadly antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the United Kingdom (UK) announced on Wednesday that it was providing financial assistance to Kenya and a number of other countries.
25 countries from Africa and Asia, including Kenya, will share Ksh38 billion to fight the disease and lessen the threat it poses to the UK.
The financing was described as the largest-ever investment in worldwide AMR surveillance by any country in a statement issued by the British High Commission, Nairobi.
To combat AMR, the funds will be utilized to construct modern laboratories, cutting-edge disease surveillance systems, and a larger worldwide workforce.
“The funding – from the government’s UK aid budget – will support the Fleming Fund’s activities to tackle AMR in countries across Asia and Africa over the next three years, helping to reduce the threat it poses to the UK and globally,” the statement read in part.
UK Secretary of State Steve Barclay announced that AMR was a silent killer that posed a significant threat to people’s health around the world, especially in the UK.
“It is vital it is stopped in its tracks and this record funding will allow countries most at risk to tackle it and prevent it from taking more lives across the world, ultimately making us safer at home,” he stated.
Barclay explained that the funding was also building on the work of the UK government to incentivise drug companies to develop new antibiotics adding other G20 countries were seeking to implement such a model.
Universities to publicly share all academic papers in the new amendment
UDA moves to have the presidential term limit abolished
Ruto increases Kenya’s debt by Ksh Sh1.56 trillion in a single year
Wajackoyah cautions Ruto against Mutahi Ngunyi after defection to Kenya Kwanza
US and Canada recall Kenyan made clothes over safety
In the UK, AMR is a fatal condition that claimed the lives of almost 35,000 people just in 2019.
Since AMR has evolved so much that antibiotics and other current treatments are no longer effective, the UK wants to make sure foreigners do not bring new infections to their shores.
The financing is anticipated to increase pandemic preparedness locally and globally, leveraging data to motivate action and spur investment.
“This world-leading investment in AMR laboratories, workforce and systems is a vital contribution to realise our vision of a world free of drug-resistant infection,” UK Special Envoy on AMR Dame Sally Davies stated during the launch of the fund.
Other countries that will receive the funding include; Ghana, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
Over 250 state-of-the-art laboratories will be created across the identified African and Asian countries with the investment also including new genome sequencing technology which will help track bacterial transmission between humans, animals and the environment.
Also read,
US issues advice to Ruto over high taxes
US envoy reiterates Kenya’s 2022 election as the most credible
Ruto breaks silence over Uasin Gishu Finland scholarship as Mandago is arrested
Mandago responds after arrest warrant over Finland and Canada scholarship scandal
Raila mocks Kenya Kwanza team in the renewed bipartisan talks
Follow us
