ADDIS ABABA-The Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority disclosed that a joint strategy is being implemented with active participation of stakeholders to control antimicrobial resistance.
Authority’s Drug Safety Monitoring and Clinical Trials Director, Asnakech Alemu, told the Ethiopia Press Agency (EPA) that the issue of antimicrobial resistance is being addressed through a joint strategy involving stakeholders engaged in health, agriculture, environment, and other sectors due to the seriousness of the case.
The authority is working to raise awareness about the problem and its impact on health, economic and social affairs.
To prevent the problem at the national level, it is necessary to implement strict regulations on the use of antimicrobial drugs, especially in healthcare and agriculture, Asnakech stated, adding that raising public awareness on the responsible use of antimicrobial drugs is also crucial to maintain health through creating a personal and environmental hygiene routines.
According to her, antimicrobial drugs play a crucial role in ensuring safe medical procedures.However, the inappropriate use of the drugs in humans, animals, and plants also leads to drug resistance and loss of efficacy.
“International cooperation is essential to prevent the problem, and governments must invest in research and share information and strategies,” she said.
Ethiopia had celebrated the International Antimicrobial Resistance Week from November 9 to 15 under the theme “Educate, Inform, Act Now,” which served as a platform to call on stakeholders across various sectors to come together and confront the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance that poses a serious threat to global health.
According to the World Health Organization, antimicrobial resistance caused more than 1.2 million deaths worldwide in 2019.
BY ESSEYE MENGISTE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2024
