Workshop Highlights Vaccine Role in Combating Antimicrobial Resistance.

The Institute in partnership with the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy Inc. (CDDEP), operating as One Health Trust (OHT), hosted a pivotal two-day workshop titled “The Value of Vaccines in Mitigating Antimicrobial Resistance.” Held on 30th, -31st,October 2024, in Nairobi, the event convened a Technical Working Group (TWG) of health and research experts from across Kenya to discuss the role of vaccines as a strategic tool in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Led by Dr. Robert Onsare, Acting Deputy Director of KEMRI’s One Health Approach Research Programme, the workshop aimed to draft a comprehensive report and policy brief highlighting data and recommendations on vaccines’ impact on AMR in Kenya. “The workshop serves as a significant step toward integrating cross-disciplinary evidence to inform national AMR strategies,” said Dr. Onsare.

Opening the event, Acting Director-General, Prof. Elijah Songok, represented by Dr. Vera Manduku, expressed gratitude for OHT’s partnership and funding. He reaffirmed KEMRI’s dedication to public health research, emphasizing vaccines’ crucial role in Kenya’s response to AMR, which threatens progress toward Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

GARP-Kenya, a project initiated in December 2023, focuses on evidence-based AMR solutions. Workshop participants, including Ministry of Health (MoH) officials and TWG members from hospitals and academic institutions, built on previous virtual discussions. Topics covered vaccine-driven AMR mitigation, challenges, and the integration of vaccines into national frameworks.

Key presentations highlighted vaccines’ proactive role in reducing bacterial infections and the need for antibiotics. Dr. Emmanuel Tanui, MoH’s AMR Focal Person, presented on “The Value of Vaccines in Mitigating AMR” within Kenya’s One Health framework, referencing the National Action Plan on AMR. Dr. Onsare shared a draft policy brief, noting challenges such as insufficient AMR data surveillance and the impact of over-the-counter antibiotic misuse. Recommendations called for universal immunization and the inclusion of resistant-infectionpreventing vaccines in national schedules.

Dr. Erta Kalanxhi, Director of Partnerships at OHT, discussed successes in other GARP countries and the potential for incorporating AMR impact assessments into vaccine trials in Kenya. Dr. Christine Makena, Project Coordinator, outlined the economic and health benefits of vaccines, citing reduced disease incidence and healthcare cost savings. However, she highlighted challenges including limited access, misinformation, and supply irregularities.

Eastern Africa Director at DNDi and former Acting DirectorGeneral of KEMRI, Prof. Sam Kariuki, discussed the link between cholera, climate change, and AMR. He stressed that improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) alongside vaccination is essential for combating cholera and AMR.

Three high-level panel discussions delved into the workshop’s findings: local perspectives on linking immunization and AMR strategies, the impact of current vaccination efforts, and the economic benefits of integrating AMR reduction into vaccine policy. Panelists emphasized the need for comprehensive AMR surveillance beyond single-center studies, local vaccine production for sustainability, and public education to bolster vaccine uptake.

The workshop concluded with a call to action for robust communication strategies, enhanced AMR surveillance, and political commitment. By integrating vaccines into AMR mitigation strategies, Kenya aims to position itself as a leader in preventing AMR, strengthening public health, and safeguarding future generations.