Antibiotic resistance reality, threat to health – WHO

Resistance to antibiotics is one of the greatest threats to modern health, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.

Speaking during an address to mark the World Antibiotic awareness week on Wednesday in Abuja, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti said that many antibiotics were being used unnecessarily for mild infections, helping to create resistance.

He outline reasons for rising antibiotic resistance to include over prescription, misuse by patients who don’t follow advice of healthcare professionals and poor infection control.

While urging patients and prescribers to think about the drugs they request for and dispense, the WHO Regional Director for Africa advised medical practitioners to prescribe and dispense antibiotics only and when they are truly needed.

“Infections spread when sanitation, hygiene and infection control measures are not followed. Health care practitioners should always practice good infection prevention and control.

“In addition, they should only prescribe and dispense antibiotics when they are truly needed, inform patients on how to use them appropriately, and educate patients on how to avoid common infections.

“All hospitals and community health centres should strive to control the spread of infections by making use of the best possible hygiene and sanitations measures available.

“Patients should never demand nor share antibiotics, and only use them when prescribed by a certified health care professional. Farmers and food producers can only help by giving antibiotics to animals only to control or treat infectious diseases, and phase out the routine use of antibiotics to promote growth”, Moeti added.

He added that the WHO in the African region has made the fight against antibiotics resistance its top priority and is working with countries to develop and implement action plans to combat antibiotic resistance as well as generate reliable data for action.