Release
2025/08/29
OSAKA, Japan, August 29, 2025 - Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Osaka, Japan; Chief Executive Officer: Isao Teshirogi, Ph.D.; hereinafter, "Shionogi") today announced that its project, aimed at promoting the appropriate use of Japan-origin antimicrobials and hygiene products through digital transformation (DX) in healthcare facilities in the Republic of Kenya (“Kenya”), has been selected for the FY2024 Supplementary Budget Grant Program for Future-Oriented Co-Creation with the Global South (Small-Scale Demonstration and Feasibility Study Projects) administered by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
Under this project, Shionogi will collaborate with Saraya Co., Ltd. (“Saraya”) to examine the feasibility of implementing digital tools to support antimicrobial stewardship and strengthen infection control systems in Kenyan healthcare settings, where antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical public health challenge. By leveraging digital solutions to efficiently monitor and visualize antimicrobial usage and infection control practices, the Project seeks to contribute to the promotion of appropriate antimicrobial use.
In Kenya, more than 28,000 deaths in 2021 were attributed to infections caused by AMR pathogens1. Establishing a robust framework for appropriate antimicrobial use is therefore an urgent societal priority. Through this Project, Shionogi aims to facilitate optimal antimicrobial selection for patients with infectious diseases, and enhance infection control practices in Kenyan hospitals. Looking ahead, the initiative also seeks to expand its impact to other African countries, thereby contributing to the prevention of AMR emergence and spread across the region.
Shionogi has identified “Improve Access to Healthcare” as one of its material issues, and continues to strengthen collaborative initiatives with domestic and international partners.² In line with this commitment, Shionogi is actively working to improve access to AMR treatments* and supporting maternal and child health programs in Africa**. As a leading company in infectious disease care, Shionogi remains dedicated to addressing major public health threats, such as AMR and COVID-19, through sustained innovation and partnerships.
*For more information on Shionogi’s initiatives on AMR, please click [here].
**For more information on Shionogi’s maternal and child health initiatives in Africa, please click [here].
About Saraya Co., Ltd.
Saraya is committed to creating a prosperous and sustainable global society under the three core pillars of “Hygiene,” “Environment,” and “Health.” Since its founding in 1952, Saraya has developed and delivered a wide range of products and services, from detergents and disinfectants to health foods, serving both professional and household markets. In Africa, Saraya began local production and sales of alcohol-based hand disinfectants in Uganda in 2014, and has since expanded its product supply to Kenya, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Through collaborations with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and local ministries of health, Saraya also contributes to training healthcare professionals in infection control practices.
About Antimicrobial Resistance
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the phenomenon where bacteria acquire resistance to antibiotics, is one of the most significant global public health threats facing humanity and requires urgent action. AMR has been referred to as a "silent pandemic”, and without countermeasures, it is projected to result in over 10 million deaths annually by 20503,4
Reference:
1. Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). (2022). MICROBE: Measuring Infectious Causes and Resistance Outcomes for Burden Estimation. VizHub. https://vizhub.healthdata.org/microbe
2. Press release on May 9, 2025 Shionogi, Nagasaki University, Saraya, and Connect Afya Enter into a Comprehensive Partnership Agreement to Support Antimicrobial Stewardship in Kenya
3. Global antimicrobial resistance forum launched to help tackle common threat to planetary health
4. O’Neill J. ‘Tackling Drug-Resistant Infections Globally: Final Report and Recommendations’. Review on Antimicrobial Resistance. May 2016. Retrieved from
https://amr-review.org/sites/default/files/160525_Final%20paper_with%20cover.pdf
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on expectations in light of the information currently available, assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from these statements. Risks and uncertainties include general domestic and international economic conditions such as general industry and market conditions, and changes of interest rate and currency exchange rate. These risks and uncertainties particularly apply with respect to product-related forward-looking statements. Product risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, completion and discontinuation of clinical trials; obtaining regulatory approvals; claims and concerns about product safety and efficacy; technological advances; adverse outcome of important litigation; domestic and foreign healthcare reforms and changes of laws and regulations. Also for existing products, there are manufacturing and marketing risks, which include, but are not limited to, inability to build production capacity to meet demand, lack of availability of raw materials and entry of competitive products. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
For Further Information, Contact:
SHIONOGI Website Inquiry Form : https://www.shionogi.com/global/en/contact.html