Antibiotic Resistance Awareness Week: Why it Matte...

Antibiotic resistance, a significant public health crisis, poses a severe threat to global health, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan. This condition occurs when bacteria show resistance to the drugs designed to kill them. This phenomenon can lead to prolonged illnesses, an increased risk of death, and higher healthcare costs. 

Unfortunately, the intensifying crisis is responsible for approximately 700,000 deaths each year in Pakistan. It ranks as the third leading cause of mortality, following cardiovascular disease and maternal health issues. This concerning data, highlighted at the 2024 National Antimicrobial Stewardship Summit, points to a serious public health challenge that demands immediate attention.

Let's explore the underlying causes of this issue and understand what contributes to the rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance in Pakistan: 

Understanding the Root Causes Behind Antibiotic Resistance in Pakistan 

Knowing the root causes is crucial for developing effective resistance prevention strategies. Some of them include: 

• Overprescription of Antibiotics: In many healthcare settings, antibiotics are often prescribed unnecessarily for viral infections, where they have no effect. This misuse leads to the development of resistant bacteria.

• Inappropriate Use in Agriculture: In Pakistan, the agricultural sector frequently uses antibiotics in livestock to promote growth besides disease prevention, which contributes to the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria.

• Poor Infection Control Practices: Inadequate infection control measures in healthcare facilities, including the lack of proper sterilization procedures and overworked healthcare staff, can facilitate the spread of resistant bacteria.

• Limited Public Awareness: Many people in Pakistan lack awareness about the appropriate use of antibiotics, leading to self-medication and non-adherence to prescribed treatment regimens. This further exacerbates the problem of resistance.

In short, antibiotic resistance arises due to multiple reasons ranging from misuse to overuse of antibiotics in both healthcare and agriculture. Pakistan is one of those countries in which the use of antimicrobials (AMU) in food-producing animals is higher. It is anticipated that this usage will see a 44% rise between 2020 and 2030. 

The excessive use of antibiotics in food-producing animals can lead to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria, which can be transferred to humans in several ways. When animals are treated with antibiotics, resistant bacteria can develop in their bodies. These bacteria can then be passed to humans. Additionally, handling or preparing animal products without proper hygiene can lead to direct contact with resistant bacteria. In some cases, resistant bacteria can also spread through the environment, such as water or soil, when animal waste containing resistant bacteria is improperly disposed of. 

In 2023, Pakistan ranked as the third-largest consumer of antibiotics worldwide, spending Rs 126 billion on these medications. Studies also indicate that around 70% of patients in Pakistan are prescribed antibiotics, yet only 20% of them truly require them. This widespread practice is often influenced by financial incentives from pharmaceutical companies and the desire to build goodwill, as antibiotics are perceived to provide quicker relief in treating conditions.

The Impact of Antibiotic Resistance in Pakistan

Antibiotic resistance in Pakistan has serious and complex effects. Some of them are: 

• Increased Mortality Rates: Infections caused by resistant bacteria can lead to higher mortality rates. Common infections that were once easily treatable with antibiotics are becoming life-threatening.

• Economic Burden: The economic impact of antibiotic resistance is significant, with increased healthcare costs due to longer hospital stays, more intensive care, and the need for more expensive drugs to treat resistant infections.

• Threat to Medical Advances: Antibiotic resistance threatens the success of surgeries, chemotherapy, and organ transplants, which rely heavily on effective antibiotics for infection prevention.

Challenges Faced by the Rural Population

The rural population in Pakistan faces unique challenges regarding antibiotic resistance:

• Limited Access to Healthcare: Many rural areas lack access to quality healthcare facilities. This limitation means that individuals often seek medical treatment from unqualified practitioners who may not adhere to proper antibiotic prescription guidelines.

• Lack of Awareness and Education: There is often a significant knowledge gap in rural communities regarding the appropriate use of antibiotics and the dangers of resistance. Educational campaigns are needed to inform these populations about the risks associated with misuse.

• Poor Sanitation and Hygiene: Rural areas frequently experience inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices, which can lead to the spread of infections and the subsequent need for antibiotics.

• Economic Constraints: Many families in rural areas cannot afford healthcare, leading to delayed treatments and self-medication, which can increase the misuse of antibiotics.

Current Efforts to Combat Antibiotic Resistance in Pakistan

Pakistan is taking steps to combat antibiotic resistance, although challenges remain. Here are some of the initiatives currently underway:

• National Action Plan: The Government of Pakistan has developed a National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in alignment with the WHO’s Global Action Plan. This plan focuses on improving surveillance, promoting responsible use of antibiotics, and enhancing infection prevention and control.

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Some private healthcare organizations are working to create awareness regarding the misuse of antibiotics.

• Strengthening Regulations: The government is working to strengthen regulations on the sale of antibiotics, especially over-the-counter sales that contribute to misuse. Enforcing strict controls can help limit the availability of antibiotics without prescriptions.

• Healthcare Training Programs: Training programs are available for healthcare professionals who aim to improve their understanding of antibiotic resistance and promote appropriate prescribing practices.

• Collaborative Research Initiatives: Universities and research institutions are conducting studies to understand the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant infections and identify effective treatment protocols.

Antibiotic Resistance Awareness Week 

During the third week of November, Antibiotic Resistance Awareness Week is observed annually. It aims to raise awareness about the growing threat of antibiotic resistance and its impact on public health. Various activities take place across the country, including educational campaigns, workshops, and seminars led by health organizations, government bodies, and medical institutions. These events focus on the responsible use of antibiotics, the dangers of over-prescription, and the importance of preventing infections through better hygiene and vaccination practices. 

Conclusion

Antibiotic resistance is a complex issue that requires a collaborative effort from governments, healthcare providers, and communities. In Pakistan, the challenges are particularly acute, but with the right strategies and interventions, we can combat this crisis. By raising awareness, improving healthcare access, and promoting responsible antibiotic use, we can protect the health of our communities and ensure that antibiotics remain effective for future generations.

At SHINE Humanity, we are dedicated to spreading health awareness and empowering communities with knowledge that can improve lives. Through our initiatives, we strive to educate and support individuals in making informed decisions about their health and well-being. Together, we can address critical health challenges and work toward a healthier, brighter future for Pakistan. 

Join us in our commitment to protecting lives and promoting wellness.

FAQs

1.      Can I never take antibiotics, even if prescribed?

Antibiotics should only be taken when necessary and prescribed by a healthcare professional. It’s important to follow the dosage instructions carefully to avoid contributing to resistance.

2.      Are all antibiotics the same for treating bacterial infections?

No, different antibiotics are used to treat different types of bacterial infections. 

3.      Can antibiotic resistance affect me even if I don't take antibiotics?

Yes, antibiotic resistance can still affect you if resistant bacteria spread in the environment or through food, even if you’ve never taken antibiotics.

4.      How can I ensure I’m using antibiotics correctly?

Always follow the doctor's prescription, never self-medicate, and complete the full course to avoid encouraging resistance.

5.      What happens if I don’t finish my prescribed antibiotic course?

Stopping an antibiotic course early can leave some bacteria alive, which may develop resistance, making it harder to treat the infection in the future.

6.       Is antibiotic resistance only a problem in Pakistan?

No, antibiotic resistance is a global issue. However, in Pakistan, overuse in both healthcare and agriculture has led to a faster rise in resistant bacteria.

7.      What are the signs that an infection might be resistant to antibiotics?

If an infection doesn't improve after a full course of antibiotics, or if it gets worse, it might be resistant, and you should consult your doctor for further evaluation.