Antibiotic resistance presents one of the biggest threats to global health and development today – and the threat is growing. This week antibiotics awareness week is launched with the overarching theme “Antibiotics Handle with Care”, from 18 to 24 November. The week aims to increase awareness of global antibiotic resistance and to encourage best practices among the general public, health care workers and policy-makers to stem its further emergence and spread.
Antibiotic resistance is caused by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, as well as poor infection prevention and control. Action can be taken at all levels of society to reduce the impact and limit the spread of resistance. Health workers have a the vital role to play in defending the power of antibiotics. WHO/Europe has interviewed health care workers from across Europe about their experiences with antibiotic resistance and how they are trying to help stop the spread.
The key message that Health care workers can share with their patients is that antibiotics are a precious resource that could be lost. Let them know that antibiotic resistance is happening now and its a worldwide problem that can affect both human and animal health. Pass on an understanding of how it happens, that smart bacteria develop defenses that stop antibiotics from working effectively, that misuse of antibiotics contributes to this, so antibiotics should not be prescribed and taken for conditions that do not call for antibiotic use. Whenever antibiotics are used they should be used with care.
Find more resources and information at the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care website.
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