2024-11-28 17:32:00
At the G7 Health in Bari, ‘ad hoc guidelines are necessary to train doctors and make citizens more aware of antibiotic resistance‘
“Medical-scientific societies can do a lot on the subject of antibiotic resistance, producing guidelines on prescriptive appropriateness. We must suggest to our health professionals what true antibiotic stewardship is but we can also do a lot in the field of education, therefore training not only health professionals but also the population, therefore promoting awareness. We also need the so-called integral approach, the One Health approach, which must involve human, environmental and animal health professionals”. Cheers Loreto Gesualdo, president of Fism, the Federation of Italian medical-scientific societies, during the panel ‘The role and contribution of the scientific community’ within the G7 Health in Bari.
What role do international collaborations play in addressing antibiotic resistance globally?
Interview: Addressing Antibiotic Resistance at G7 Health in Bari
Editor: Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Loreto Gesualdo, the president of Fism, the Federation of Italian medical-scientific societies. He recently spoke at the G7 Health summit in Bari, emphasizing the urgent need for guidelines on antibiotic resistance. Welcome, Dr. Gesualdo.
Gesualdo: Thank you for having me.
Editor: Let’s start with the core issue. Why is antibiotic resistance a critical concern for global health right now?
Gesualdo: Antibiotic resistance is one of the most pressing public health challenges we face today. As bacteria evolve and become resistant to treatments, infections that were once easily curable are becoming life-threatening. It’s crucial we address this issue not only through medical guidelines but through comprehensive education that promotes awareness among healthcare professionals and the general public.
Editor: You mentioned during your panel that medical-scientific societies play a vital role in this battle. Can you elaborate on that?
Gesualdo: Absolutely. Medical-scientific societies can create and disseminate robust guidelines that inform prescriptive practices among doctors. These guidelines will help standardize antibiotic use and ensure healthcare professionals understand what true antibiotic stewardship entails. Moreover, our role extends to educating not just doctors but also patients to foster a culture that values appropriate antibiotic use.
Editor: The concept of a “One Health” approach was also discussed at the summit. What exactly does this mean in the context of antibiotic resistance?
Gesualdo: The One Health approach is an integrated strategy that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. When we discuss antibiotic resistance, we can’t just focus on human medicine; we need to incorporate veterinary science and environmental policy. This holistic viewpoint allows us to develop effective strategies that address the root causes of resistance across all sectors.
Editor: For our readers who may not be familiar, what practical steps can individuals take to contribute to the fight against antibiotic resistance?
Gesualdo: First and foremost, individuals should be proactive about their health. This means only using antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional and completing the full course, even if they feel better. Raising awareness in community settings about the dangers of misuse and overuse of antibiotics is vital. Education campaigns can significantly impact behavior, so becoming an advocate for responsible antibiotic use in your community can make a difference.
Editor: How can the general public get involved in these educational initiatives?
Gesualdo: People can participate by engaging in discussions about antibiotic resistance, sharing information on social media, and supporting local health initiatives aimed at educating community members. Collaborating with medical societies and attending local health events can also amplify these messages. Every small action contributes to a larger movement toward greater awareness and responsibility.
Editor: As we look ahead, what do you see as the next steps for combating antibiotic resistance?
Gesualdo: Moving forward, we need to strengthen collaboration between countries to develop and implement standardized guidelines. We also require more investment into research that can uncover innovative solutions to minimize the need for antibiotics. Lastly, continued advocacy for public awareness campaigns will be essential in changing behaviors towards antibiotic use.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Gesualdo, for sharing your insights on this crucial issue. It’s clear that a united approach is vital in tackling antibiotic resistance.
Gesualdo: Thank you for having me. Together, we can make a significant impact on public health.
Keywords: antibiotic resistance, G7 Health summit, healthcare education, One Health approach, medical guidelines, public awareness