WHO, Nov. 18, 2020
According to research conducted by WHO/Europe and reports from the field, the European Region now risks accelerated spread of antimicrobial resistance. The long-term problem of antibiotics being used inappropriately by individuals and in health care settings is worsening as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, set to take place on 18–24 November, is an opportunity to focus attention on the evolving situation.
Despite the fact that antibiotics do not treat or prevent viral infections like COVID-19, the results of behavioural insight research conducted in 9 countries and areas of the European Region showed antibiotic use increasing throughout the pandemic along with cases. Of those taking the antibiotics, 79–96% reported not having been infected with COVID-19 but were taking antibiotics inappropriately, believing they would prevent infection. Evidence indicates that up to 15% of severely affected COVID-19 patients develop bacterial co-infection and could need antibiotics, whereas 75% actually receive them.
“Antibiotics save lives and we should ensure their effectiveness for as long as possible. Some patients with severe COVID-19 also have bacterial co-infections and need antibiotics to survive,” explained Dr Nino Berdzuli, Director of WHO/Europe’s Division of Country Health Programmes. “This has been a very difficult time for health care institutions. Especially now in the pandemic it is important that clear guidelines are put in place to prevent inappropriate use of antibiotics. Everyone has a role to play as an antibiotic guardian, whether they are a parent, a prescriber or a policy-maker.”
.
No comments:
Post a Comment