Emmanuel Odartei Armah

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a serious threat in medicine that requires immediate attention. Data has shown, that the elderly, who represent significant portion of the immunocompromised population shows they are the major reservoirs of multidrug organisms (MDROs) and this highlights the need for immediate action within the health sector.

Scientists from the Biomedical and Public Health Research Unit (BPHRU) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research- Water Research Institute (CSIR-WRI), conducted a three-year surveillance of antimicrobial resistance amongst Ghanaian elderly residing in Aged Care Homes. The study was conducted amongst 200 elderly people (50 years and above) across seven elderly Care Homes in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Early morning urine samples were collected from the study participants and were screened for urinary tract infection via microbial diagnostic tools. The genetic determinants of the uropathogens were assessed using Polymerase Chain Reaction. The targeted Homes included: Benval Home Care (Ashongman Estates); Comfort for the Aged Care Home, with branches in Weija-Gbawe and Kasoa- Amanfro; and Tabitha Home Care, with branches at Pokuase- Afiaman, Amamole, Deedeman, and Kuntunse. The results showed a high prevalence of multidrug resistant organisms MDROs among the study population. This finding prompted the research team members to launch a health and educational outreaches amongst these care homes. This was aimed at raising awareness of AMR and thereby mitigating its effect on the elderly through teaching and advocacy. Key topics addressed included; improper use of antibiotics, the dangers of self-medication, personal hygiene, and nutrition. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CsDFi2YiHOv9xDVvos5KS2oS5nTrZHZ1/view?usp=sharing

                   Care for the Aged Care Home, Weija (Top left), BenVal Care Home Ashongman-Estates(Top right) and Tabitha Care Home (Bottom)

 Research team of Biomedical and Public Health Research Unit

 Outreach team of Biomedical Unit with Management of Tabitha Home Care

Team Members
Emmanuel Armah                                              Principal Investigator
Lawrencia Osae-Nyarko                                    Supervisor
Mawutor Kwame Ahiabu
Bright Idun
Isaac Agyapong
Freda Boampong Kwarteng
Queenstar Dedei Quarshie
Naa Adjeley Kuma
Judith Wayo
Grace Kwaku-Anim
Abena Konadu Owusu-Senyah Enninful
Jessica Acquaye
Nana Adjoa Omari