Stop Indiscriminate Anti-Microbial Use Before It Is Too Late
NAIROBI, Kenya – The threat of self-inflicted antimicrobial resistance looms large in the healthcare sphere, posing a complex challenge that could reshape the landscape of healthcare. Antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and anti-parasitic medications are losing their effectiveness in fighting diseases, with consequences that extend beyond the confines of laboratory experiments.
According to a publication by the Lancet, approximately 4.95 million deaths in 2019 were directly linked to antimicrobial resistance. This phenomenon occurs when antimicrobials, once effective against certain infections, become ineffective due to overuse and abuse. As a result, infections become harder to treat, leading to increased healthcare costs and, in severe cases, fatalities. Antibiotics, in particular, are estimated to be the most commonly misused antimicrobials. Worryingly, the discovery of new antimicrobials is not keeping pace with the development of resistance to existing drugs.
At the core of this challenge is a predominantly human-made cause: an overreliance on and hasty use of drugs in the face of illness. While these life-saving medications have been a medical breakthrough, capable of eradicating infections with remarkable efficiency, our excessive zeal for conquering the microbial realm may have inadvertently exposed our vulnerability.
Often, we turn to medication without professional guidance, self-diagnosing and treating ailments. This has led to the overuse of antimicrobials, even when they are unnecessary. For instance, when faced with a common cold, many people resort to a combination of antibacterial medications and home remedies, oblivious to the fact that antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. Additionally, we often share antibiotics with family members who exhibit similar symptoms, leading to incomplete treatment courses.
Even in the agricultural sector, poultry and livestock farmers have resorted to using antimicrobials to increase yields, administering these drugs to animals that are not necessarily ill. Consequently, when people consume products from these animals, they become exposed to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Although this situation may seem dire, it serves as a wake-up call rather than a doomsday prediction. Antimicrobial resistance has already been identified as one of the top ten most serious public health threats by the World Health Organization. Each individual must contribute to saving antimicrobials, not just for themselves, but also for future generations.
In the face of infection, it is crucial to resist the temptation of self-medication and instead seek guidance from healthcare professionals who can determine the necessity of antimicrobials. Frequently, infections are viral and do not require antimicrobial therapy. It is essential not to demand antibiotics.
When prescribed antimicrobials, we must strictly adhere to the given instructions and complete the full course of treatment. It may be tempting to share medication with family members experiencing similar symptoms, but it is important to allow them to be assessed and treated accordingly.
The saying prevention is better than cure holds true in this case as well. Vaccination against infectious diseases is highly recommended. Additionally, practicing good hand hygiene, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising regularly all contribute to prevention.
Recognizing the importance of addressing antimicrobial resistance, Kenya has developed a national action plan, which includes strategies such as enhanced governance and coordination mechanisms, increased awareness, and improved access to and optimal use of antimicrobials.
This action plan takes into account various angles, as tackling antimicrobial resistance requires a multifaceted approach. At the hospital level, strict antibiotic stewardship is crucial, with doctors exercising caution before prescribing antibiotics, and pharmacists refraining from prescribing antimicrobials without a doctor’s advice. Educating the public about the dangers of antimicrobial resistance is also vital and requires significant effort from healthcare professionals.
Furthermore, the pharmaceutical industry needs to invest in the development of new antibiotics, an area that has been largely neglected in recent years.
As we observe World AMR Awareness Week from November 18 to 24, it is essential to recognize that the fight against antimicrobial resistance extends beyond scientific challenges; it is a shared societal responsibility. A transformative shift in our perception and interaction with medication, alongside collaboration from all sectors, is required to promote the prudent use of antimicrobials and preventive measures.
The allure of quick fixes must yield to a comprehensive understanding of the delicate balance between human intervention and microbial adaptation. We must adopt a cautious culture where antimicrobials are viewed as valuable resources to be used sparingly, rather than relying on them as cure-alls.
By embracing these practices, we can curb the rise of antimicrobial resistance and safeguard the effectiveness of these critical medications for ourselves and future generations.
