Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern globally as some of the most effective antibiotics are becoming less effective against superbugs. According to the WHO, AMR leads to increased infections and more severe illnesses. Dr. Sylvia Omulo, an epidemiologist studying AMR in Nairobi, Kenya, focuses on the relationship between humans, animals, and the microbes they carry. She highlights the importance of studying coloniser microbes that can provide insights into complex ecosystems and AMR. Omulo’s research in Kibera, a densely populated slum in Nairobi, found that environmental factors like poor sanitation contribute to the spread of AMR. She also found a link between keeping poultry and visiting healthcare facilities to higher rates of AMR. By studying AMR in community settings, Omulo aims to understand its impact on health and develop effective prevention strategies. Her work provides valuable insights into understanding AMR beyond just antibiotic use. As part of a global effort, she collaborates with the WHO on new directions in AMR research to address the urgent threat it poses to public health.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
