Week against antibiotic resistance

2023-11-20 10:22:01

Within the framework of the European Day for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics and the Week against Antibiotic Resistance, various associations have demonstrated to raise awareness among the population about this problem and emphasize the importance of being prudent in their use.

EFE/PHOTOILLUSTRATION/Carlos Ortega

European Day for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics (November 18) and World Antibiotic Resistance Week (November 18 to 24).

For this reason, multiple medical and pharmaceutical associations have offered recommendations and advice to raise awareness among the population about this problem that directly affects general health.

According to some data extracted from the National Plan against Antibiotic Resistance (PRAN), coordinated by the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), Spain is one of the countries in the European Union that has reduced its consumption of antibiotics the most. in recent years. Its use has decreased by 17% in humans and by 61% in animals (between 2014 and 2022).

However, it continues to occupy seventh place in the “ranking” of consumption of these drugs.

Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP)

On the occasion of the celebration of the European Day for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics, Dr. Roi Piñeiro Pérez, coordinator of the Medicines Committee of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP), remembers that “although antibiotics are very powerful and beneficial weapons, if not “We use them well, they lose all their usefulness.”

In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), antimicrobial resistance is one of the top 10 threats to health. To move towards correct use of antibiotics and stop resistance to them, it is necessary to improve, on the one hand, the awareness of the population so that they use these drugs appropriately and, on the other, the training of health workers so that prescribe correctly.

“Training among health professionals in the use of this pharmacological intervention is very
variable and, in many aspects, deficient,” says Dr. Piñeiro.

Antibiotics should be prescribed and consumed responsibly. EFE/Paco Torrente

How to make good use of antibiotics?

In the week against antibiotic resistance, the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP)has launched a series of recommendations to prevent this from happening.

These are the five recommendations of the AEP Medicines Committee for the good use of antibiotics:

Appropriate prescription by the doctor. Sometimes an antibiotic is administered “just in case” without knowing with certainty that a bacterial infection exists. Almost always, it occurs due to fear of leaving a possible infection of this type untreated. The key to reversing this trend is the continued training of health professionals. If antibiotic treatment is prescribed for a suspected bacterial infection, it should be discontinued once it is proven that the infection is caused by another cause. Whether it is a virus or another microorganism. Antibiotic treatment should not be continued for longer than necessary. Each disease requires a number of days that are well defined in protocols and consensus documents. Do not take antibiotics in case of flu, viral infection, pain or cold. We must remember that they are only effective against bacteria and, if we take them randomly to treat other infections or ailments, they will not be effective when we really need them. Although it is becoming less common, it is essential to remember that antibiotics should never be taken without a doctor’s prescription. Even if we have a box of antibiotics with pills left over from a previous prescription, they should not be taken if there has not previously been a prescription.

Antibiotics and environment

In addition to inappropriate use of antibiotics, the environment plays a key role in the generation of these resistances. It is the scenario where bacteria adapt and exchange resistance genes among themselves, allowing them to survive and multiply even in the presence of antibiotics. Due to this reason, BE SURE works from the perspective of medication waste management, responsible use of medications and citizen awareness.

It has been shown that bacteria present in soil and water are capable of developing resistance when coming into contact with antibiotic substances that have been released from human activity. Due to drug resistance, antibiotics (in the case of bacteria) and other antimicrobial medications become ineffective. The main problem with this is that infections are increasingly difficult or impossible to treat.

Drug-resistant diseases could cause 10 million deaths annually in 2050 worldwide. This is why SIGRE remembers that it is essential to address this problem through a strategy One Health or “one health” that integrates human health, animal health and environmental health.

More prevention

On the other hand, the NGO Farmamundi claims the need for more dissemination, prevention and rational use of these medications.

Remember that antibiotic resistance endangers the effectiveness of many medical treatments such as major surgeries, organ transplants, cancer chemotherapy or the care of premature newborns. In addition, it has a high economic and social cost, since it increases the duration of illnesses, hospital stays and the need to obtain more expensive medications.

From Farmamundi, they indicate that antibiotic resistance is a serious problem that affects the entire world, but especially impoverished countries.

“This is due to the lack of adequate health services that can lead to inappropriate use, reduced access to third generation antibiotics and not having optimal water and sanitation systems. The shortage of drinking water and sanitation in many countries can encourage the spread of pathogenic microorganisms, some of which may be resistant to antibiotic treatments,” says pharmacist Raquel Carnero.

Greater awareness for better use

To raise awareness among the population about the proper use of these medications, Farmamundi professionals have prepared a list of tips to avoid risks.

Use antibiotics prudently, only when necessary and following doctor’s instructions. Do not share or save leftover antibiotics. Always get a diagnosis and a medical prescription. Adopt personal and environmental hygiene habits that prevent infections, such as hand washing. Keep your vaccination schedule up to date (throughout your entire life). Support local, national and international initiatives that promote the rational use of antibiotics and the development of new medicines.