MPs told to get involved in Antimicrobial Resistance discourse

By Simon Syabbamba

A Non Governmental Organization has called on parliamentarians to enhance the discourse surrounding Antimicrobial Resistance -AMR- as they participate in legislative sessions.

ReAct Africa Acting Executive Director RAPHAEL CHANDA says Antimicrobial Resistance continues to take many lives due to lack of awareness and misuse of antibiotics.

Mr. CHANDA says lawmakers have a crucial role in educating their constituents about the risks associated with the misuse of prescribed antibiotics.

He was speaking in Chongwe on the sidelines of a Parliamentarian Orientation Meeting.

And Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Assistant Director -Field Services, FUSYA GOMA says AntiMicrobial Resistance is a global threat to the public, animal and plant health.

Meanwhile, Zambia National Public Health Institute -ZNPHI Acting Director General NATHAN KAPATA has urged parliamentarians to enhance awareness on the rational use of antibiotics.

Professor KAPATA has also expressed optimism that MPs will effectively support bills and budgetary issues that will be tabled before parliament on AntiMicrobial Resistance.

And Parliamentary Chairperson for Committee on Health CHRISTOPHER KALILA has called on lawmakers to acquaint themselves with AntiMicrobial Resistance for effective legislation.