WHO red-flags drug-resistant infections

Zim Now Writer

The World Health Organisation (WHO) yesterday launched the Second Annual Global Media Forum ahead of the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW).

WAAW is being celebrated from 18-24 November under the theme, “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together.”

WAAW aims to increase awareness of antimicrobial resistance and to encourage best practices among the policy makers, health workers and the general public, to avoid further emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections.

Speaking during the virtual launch, WHO Quadripartite Joint Secretariat Director on AMR Dr Haileyesus Getahun said drug-resistant infections are threatening not only human health but also animal health, livelihoods and food safety worldwide.

“Bacterial infections account for 1.27 million deaths indirectly and 4.95 million people are directly affected globally.

“There is an increased transmission of infections between food-producing animals and humans. AMR has also increased by over 50 percent in the past ten years due to lack of clean water and sanitation,” he said.

WHO AMR Stewardship and Awareness Unit Head Thomas Joseph said AMR is the most burdensome syndrome of the time which he called the silent pandemic.

“Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial agents and as a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat.

“Drug resistant infections often require use of second or third-line treatment which can cause serious side effects, including organ failure.

“People should only use antibiotics when prescribed by a health worker of which over 50 percent of people use antibiotics without prescriptions,” he said.