WHO warns against misuse of antibiotics
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned the public and healthcare providers against misuse of antibiotics. WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti gave the advice in a statement to mark this year’s World Antibiotic Awareness Week. Dr Moeti said from being miracle life-savers, antibiotics were becoming ineffective against resistant infectious which could affect […]
WHO warns against misuse of antibiotics
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned the public and healthcare providers against misuse of antibiotics.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti gave the advice in a statement to mark this year’s World Antibiotic Awareness Week.
Dr Moeti said from being miracle life-savers, antibiotics were becoming ineffective against resistant infectious which could affect anyone, of any age, in any country.
“I urge everyone to think twice and seek advice from a qualified health professional before taking antibiotics,” she advised.
She said antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria become resistant to the active ingredients in these medicines. “These resistant bacteria may infect humans and animals, making infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis and gonorrhea harder to treat.
“The reasons for rising antibiotic resistance include overprescribing, misuse by patients who don’t follow the advice of healthcare professionals, overuse in farming, poor infection control, and a lack of new antibiotics. We can help by seeking advice from a health professional before taking antibiotics. They are a precious resource,” Dr Moeti said.
She said Africa lacked data on the scope and scale of antibiotic resistance, adding that antibiotic resistance was rising because common bacteria which cause urinary tract infections, diarrhea and septic wounds among other things, were becoming resistant to readily available and prescribed antibiotics.
She added that hospitals and health centres could help keep infections at bay with thorough hygiene and sanitation practices.
The WHO regional boss also advised healthcare practitioners to always practice good infection prevention and control, adding that they should only prescribe and dispense antibiotics when they were truly needed, inform patients on how to use them appropriately, as well as educate them on how to avoid common infections.
She said patients should never demand nor share antibiotics, and only use them when prescribed by a certified healthcare professional.