Gov’t Warns Against Use of Specific Antibiotics During Holidays
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has warned the public against using antibiotics at random during the Christmas season without a doctor’s permission.
Addressing the press, Muthoni stated that Kenyans should avoid the practice of buying random drugs from pharmacies after experiencing common symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting, which are typical throughout the festive season.
The PS stressed that anyone who suffers such symptoms should always seek advice and prescriptions from a certified doctor to avoid further complications.
This includes antimicrobial resistance, which results from antibiotic overuse.
Public Health PS Mary Muthoni warns Kenyans against use of over-the-counter drugs pic.twitter.com/eff1UIxybE
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) December 29, 2025
“There is this culture that people have of rushing to the chemists to purchase drugs because you have started experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, or fever, and we end up getting these medicines for even our children,” Muthoni said.
“Once you develop these symptoms, please go to the hospital. You should not go to the counter to get medicines because you are not a doctor. You should get a prescription from a doctor,” she added.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has recently emerged as one of the world’s leading public health issues.
According to the World Health Organization, AMR caused 1.27 million deaths worldwide in 2019 and indirectly led to 4.95 million fatalities.
The UN agency warns that AMR is making infections harder to treat and other medical procedures and treatments, such as surgery, caesarean sections, and cancer chemotherapy, more dangerous.
Muthoni issued a public health advisory on Sunday, December 21, cautioning Kenyans against sharing food, utensils, and personal things.
The warning was also extended to people who travel frequently to different locations to avoid being unsanitary, in order to reduce the transmission of dangerous diseases that peak during the holiday season.
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To prevent these diseases, Kenyans can practice excellent hygiene, such as washing their hands frequently or using hand sanitizers.
Members of the public were advised to exercise extra precautions around older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses.
“Prefer outdoor and well-ventilated venues, avoid overcrowding, and limit duration,” Muthoni said.
“Avoid sharing utensils such as cups or bottles, and wash your hands before food handling.”
Gov’t Warns Against Use of Specific Antibiotics During Holidays
