The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS), has launched a critical initiative aimed at addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Ghana’s health sector. The project, titled “Identifying and Resolving Challenges with Antibiotic Use in Surgery,” seeks to tackle the growing issue of drug-resistant infections, particularly in surgical settings where infection rates are notably high.
The launch event on September 4, 2024, brought together senior health officials, international partners, and stakeholders to discuss the pressing need for action against AMR in Ghana. Alhaji Hafiz Adam, Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, emphasized that AMR poses a significant threat to global health, including in Ghana, where it could undermine the effectiveness of essential medical treatments, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
The initiative will focus on three key areas: adherence to antibiotic use guidelines, improving antibiotic prescribing patterns in surgical care, and reducing surgical site infections (SSIs) through effective infection prevention and control measures. With Ghana facing an SSI rate of 12.6%, compared to the global average of 2.5%, this project is timely and crucial.
ICARS will provide financial and technical support, collaborating with local institutions to develop cost-effective solutions tailored to Ghana’s specific needs. The Steering Committee, inaugurated at the launch, will oversee the project’s implementation and ensure it aligns with Ghana’s National Action Plan on AMR.
AMR is a global crisis, with 1.27 million deaths attributed to drug-resistant infections in 2019 alone. Collaborative efforts like this initiative are vital in mitigating the impact of AMR, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Ghana.