Finish the prescribed course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better before completion. Incomplete courses may contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains.
Once upon a time, in a world not so different from our own, a remarkable discovery revolutionized the landscape of healthcare. Antibiotics emerged as superheroes, vanquishing once-deadly infections, and transforming the practice of medicine. World AMR Awareness Week, from November 18 to 24, 2023, themed "Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together," ends, marking not just the conclusion of an event but the start of a collective mission to preserve the effectiveness of this marvel i.e., antibiotics, so vital in modern medicine. Antimicrobials face a risk of rising Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), where bacteria and viruses evolve, reducing the effectiveness of antibiotics and antivirals. Increasing resistance makes common infections harder to treat, causing prolonged illnesses, elevated healthcare costs, and heightened risks during medical procedures. The silent AMR pandemic conceals a looming threat that, while quiet, holds the potential for significant and lasting consequences on global health, paralleling the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While we collectively witnessed the helplessness brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, akin to a striking tsunami, the consequences of the silent AMR pandemic remain underappreciated despite their equally profound and far-reaching implications. Both crises underscore the importance of global preparedness, robust public health measures, and sustainable practices to mitigate the impact of infectious diseases, whether caused by viruses or antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Addressing misuse through public education, responsible prescription practices, and global regulatory measures is imperative to safeguard the efficacy of antimicrobials and ensure their continued effectiveness in combating bacterial infections.
When antibiotics are used inappropriately, such as in incorrect doses or for insufficient durations, surviving bacteria have the potential to develop resistance, rendering these essential medications ineffective. This jeopardizes our ability to treat common infections, undermines medical advancements, and poses a severe risk to public health. This occurs when the medication fails to completely eliminate all bacteria, allowing resistant strains to proliferate. Additionally, self-medication practices and the overuse of antibiotics in animal husbandry, aquaculture, and agriculture further exacerbate the problem.
The public, as custodians, embraces the responsibility to preserve this precious medical discovery. Ensuring the legacy of antibiotics endures involves taking antibiotics only when prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional, adhering to prescribed courses, avoiding self-medication, or sharing antibiotics with others. Finish the prescribed course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better before completion. Incomplete courses may contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains. Stay informed about AMR; knowledge is a powerful tool in fostering a culture of responsible medication practices. Prevention is key. Adopt good hygiene practices to reduce the need for antibiotics. Practice good hygiene, wash hands regularly, practice safe food handling, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Championing the ‘One Health’ approach is required as diseases often originate at the interface of these domains, with factors such as environmental degradation, climate change, and the close interaction between humans and animals playing pivotal roles.
Preserving antibiotic effectiveness not only safeguards our health but also contributes to the well-being of future generations. World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) serves as a reminder that preventing AMR is a shared responsibility. The "Go Blue" campaign during World AMR Awareness Week symbolizes a collective effort to combat antibiotic resistance, reminding each individual of their role as a guardian of antibiotic effectiveness. Public participation involves spreading awareness, engaging in community discussions, and supporting initiatives promoting responsible antibiotic use.