In 2019 alone, about 6000 people died from Antibiotic drug abuse which made them resistant to antibiotics.
While 25,300 persons also died from causes associated with antimicrobial resistance.
According to stakeholders at a media engagement, the situation has become a major public health threat that needs to be tackled with a multifaceted approach.
Globally, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is projected to claim up to 10 million lives annually by 2050.
In Ghana, the situation is gradually becoming a growing public health concern that threatens to erode decades of progress made in healthcare delivery.
The misuse and overuse of antibiotics in both humans and veterinary services, inadequate infection prevention, and control measures are all factors that facilitate drugs-resistant infections, which eventually leads to prolonged illnesses and increased mortality in the country.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, custodians of the drugs, is equally concerned with the public abuse of antibiotics.
President of the Society, Pharm. Dr. Samuel Kow Donkor, at a media engagement, encouraged all stakeholders to adopt the one health approach.
“Immediate and coordinated action is needed to stem the tide. The society is very committed to combating AMR through capacity building, community engagement and partnerships with government agencies to promote education and awareness. It’s very important for the public to understand the rationale of using antibiotics the right way. Don’t go and buy antibiotics when you have flu, cough, malaria and the like. It’s not the best. Get tested and don’t self-medicate.” He emphasized.
Head of registration and licence at the Pharmacy Council, the regulatory body, Dr. Brenda Yayra Opong entreated pharmacists to spearhead their supervisory roles at the pharmacies.
“The pharmacist has the oversight responsibility to supervise the MCAs in the dispensing of antibiotics and they must do that diligently. An MCA is not supposed to sell antibiotics to the public without supervision. We as a Council we are a bit challenged too with our regulatory coverage, but we are working on increasing it. The use of administrative fines is also helping us regulate their activities”. She said.
Ghana developed a National Action Plan on AMR in 2017, which outlined strategies for combating the threat in the country. The Ministry is currently revising the plan, which sought to improve awareness, enhance surveillance, and promote the rational use of antimicrobials.
The current state of AMR in Ghana is believed to be a complex challenge that requires a multifaceted approach during this year’s AMR week.
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the effects of medicines designed to fight them.
Source: 3news.com
