CURRENT REPORT BLOG The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about the escalating danger of antibiotic misuse, highlighting the potential for resistant bacteria to cause up to 10 million deaths globally by 2050. This caution follows a comprehensive survey conducted by WHO’s European chapter, shedding light on concerning trends in antibiotic prescription and usage.
Survey Findings
The survey, conducted across 14 countries, predominantly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, revealed alarming practices in antibiotic prescriptions. Notably, antibiotics were prescribed for conditions such as the common cold (24 percent), flu-like symptoms (16 percent), sore throat (21 percent), and cough (18 percent). These findings underscore a widespread tendency to use antibiotics for illnesses where they are ineffective.
Impact of Misuse
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a natural phenomenon, but the misuse of antibiotics accelerates the development and spread of superbugs, making infections increasingly challenging to treat. The WHO emphasizes that unchecked antibiotic misuse poses a significant threat to public health globally.
Enforcement of Regulations
The WHO’s European region, encompassing 53 countries, already has regulations in place to curb antibiotic misuse. Robb Butler, Director of WHO Europe’s Division of Communicable Diseases, stressed the importance of enforcing these regulations to address the root cause of antibiotic misuse effectively.
