Overuse of antibiotics dangerous, experts warn…

Experts have warned against the overuse of antibiotics. They said it is creating stronger germs, while some bacteria are already “resistant” to common medications.

According to them, when bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, the infection becomes harder and more expensive to treat.

The experts noted that losing the ability to treat serious bacterial infections is a major threat to public health.

At least 700,000 people die each year due to drug-resistant diseases, they noted.

They spoke at a virtual media roundtable hosted by Pfizer to raise awareness about Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) aimed at maintaining the future effectiveness of antibiotics.

Speakers included Prof Oyinlola Oduyebo of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and Prof. Kennedy Tamunoimiegbam Wariso of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).

Participants discussed the need for AMS, as treatment of infections is becoming more difficult due to the widespread emergence of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

Antimicrobial stewardship is a coordinated programme that promotes the appropriate use of antimicrobials (including antibiotics), improves patient outcomes, reduces microbial resistance, and decreases the spread of infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms.

Pfizer’s position is that governments and the public health community must work together with the health industry to take further action and support measures that will enable continued innovation in the development of new antibiotics and vaccines to help curb the spread of AMR.