Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as one of the greatest threats to global public health in the 21st century. As bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to become resistant to the drugs designed to kill them, common infections are becoming increasingly difficult to treat. This phenomenon, known as antimicrobial resistance, has the potential to undermine decades of progress in modern medicine.
The rise of AMR is driven by the overuse and misuse of antimicrobial drugs, such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics. When these drugs are used excessively or inappropriately, it allows resistant microbes to survive and proliferate. Poor infection prevention and control practices in healthcare settings and agriculture also contribute to the spread of resistant pathogens.
The consequences of antimicrobial resistance are dire. Common infections that were once easily treatable, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and gonorrhea, are becoming life-threatening as our arsenal of effective antimicrobial drugs dwindles. Routine medical procedures, like surgery and cancer treatment, also become riskier without reliable antimicrobial therapies to prevent and treat infections.
The World Health Organization has warned that without urgent, coordinated action, the world is headed for a “post-antibiotic era” in which common infections and minor injuries can once again become deadly. Estimates suggest that by 2050, AMR could claim 10 million lives per year and cost the global economy up to $100 trillion.
Combating antimicrobial resistance requires a multi-pronged, global approach. Improving antimicrobial stewardship in healthcare and agriculture, investing in new drug development, enhancing infection prevention and control, and strengthening surveillance and research are all critical components of the solution. Governments, healthcare providers, researchers, and the public must work together to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents and protect public health for generations to come.
To curb the spread, the pharmaceutical industry has provided antimicrobials, including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics, which are medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals, and plants. However, despite concerted efforts, AMR remains a global health concern, posing a significant threat as microorganisms evolve and develop resistance to the antimicrobial drugs used to treat them.
Ethiopia, like many other countries, has been working diligently to address this pressing issue and implement strategies to prevent and control antimicrobial resistance. The country has developed a national action plan on antimicrobial resistance, outlining strategies to prevent the emergence and spread of resistant microorganisms, optimize the use of antibiotics, and ensure access to quality-assured antimicrobial medicines.
Meanwhile the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly (WHA) was unfolding under the theme ‘All for Health, Health for in Geneva’, Switzerland, on 27 May – 1 June 2024 was discussing working system.
On the occasion WHA delegates, partner agencies, representatives of civil society and WHO experts had discussed current and future priorities for public health issues of global importance.
Ethiopian was one of the participants attending the assembly and got the opportunity to share the country’s promising efforts to address growing global health challenges.
Speaking on the occasion, Health Minister Mekdes Daba (MD) said that the country has designed a strategy to combat AMR threats and effective medicines utilization.
Currently, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute is working actively regarding strengthening and widening diseases surveillance and protection through organizing a one-stop information center that conduct successive research on AMR, medicines distribution and proper medicines utilizations as well as vaccinations chain and its impact on AMR, she said.
According to her, the Ethiopian government is also actively engaged in organizing an enterprise that works to produce vaccine shield locally.
“Realizing the WHO’s directive of decreasing antibiotic use and promoting vaccines is fundamental to combat AMR and failed to do so will remain severe challenge to global public health,” she noted.
Though, the problem worsens in lower and a middle-income country, the problem is still affecting the developed countries. Thus, it is important to promote existing and new vaccines towards controlling AMR, she added.
Ethiopia, Korea, Sweden, England and El Salvador co-sponsored the forum titled “Role of existing and new vaccines for drug sustainability in low- and middle-income countries” was organized by the International Institute of Vaccines.
Ethiopia has also implemented several key initiatives to counter antimicrobial resistance, including: Strengthening surveillance systems to monitor antimicrobial drug use and track the emergence of resistance, allowing for targeted interventions. Second, raising awareness about AMR among healthcare providers, policymakers, and the general public through education campaigns to promote responsible antimicrobial use and discourage over-prescription of antibiotics. Last but not the least implementing regulations to improve the quality and safety of antimicrobial medicines, ensuring that only licensed healthcare facilities and practitioners can prescribe and dispense these drugs.
Furthermore, Ethiopia recognizes the importance of collaboration and partnership with international organizations, research institutions, and other countries to combat this complex public health challenge. By sharing best practices, exchanging knowledge, and coordinating efforts on a global scale, the country is making significant strides in mitigating the threat of AMR and preserving the efficacy of antimicrobial drugs for future generations.
In conclusion, Ethiopia’s endeavors to counter antimicrobial resistance demonstrate the country’s commitment to safeguarding the health of its population and ensuring the effectiveness of essential medicines. Through a multi-faceted approach that includes surveillance, education, regulation, and collaboration, Ethiopia is taking proactive steps to tackle this global health threat and sustain societal health.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 1 JUNE 2024
