# Piloting an Information and Communication Technology Tool to Help Addressing the Challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance in Low-Income Countries

## TL;DR

A new ICT system was piloted in Kenya to monitor veterinary drug use and improve responsible antimicrobial use in smallholder poultry systems.

## Contribution

This study introduces and evaluates an ICT tool for monitoring and addressing antimicrobial use in low-income livestock systems.

## Key findings

- The system collected data on veterinary drug sales, including antibiotics, dewormers, and vitamins.
- Farmers reported health issues like respiratory and digestive disorders in poultry.
- The system could help monitor antimicrobial use and improve animal health management.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial use (AMU) in livestock drives antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR has a significant impact on public health. While several interventions have been used to address this challenge, few have utilized Information and Communication Technology (ICT) approaches. The objective of this study was to pilot and assess an ICT system to monitor the use of veterinary drugs and disseminate information to farmers in peri-urban smallholder poultry systems in Kenya. Methods: The system was developed in collaboration with the stakeholders. It captures drug sales in veterinary pharmacies and disease incidence and treatments reported by farmers. The system was piloted from May 2023 to December 2023. Monthly follow-ups were conducted to monitor progress and address problems. Assessment was performed through focus group discussions with the users (two with farmers and two with veterinary pharmacy staff) and descriptive statistics of the data collected by the system. Results: A total of 15,725 records were obtained from veterinary pharmacies, including antibiotics (57%), dewormers (22%), and vitamins (11%). Requests for a specific product were recorded in 38% of the sales, while 63% were accompanied by some evidence (empty drug containers, old packages, old prescriptions, pictures of sick birds, and actual sick birds). A total of 91 records were obtained from the farmers. The health problems reported were mostly respiratory (40%) and digestive (30%) disorders. The percentage of customers who requested advice on animal health when visiting veterinary pharmacies ranged from 5 to 20%. Conclusions: AMU can be improved in the study area. The piloted system may help policymakers monitor the sales and usage of antibiotics, improve animal health management, and promote responsible AMU.