'Antibiotic resistance threatens public health'

Irrational use of 3rd and 4th line antibiotics, particularly in hospitals, has led to the emergence of bacteria that are increasingly difficult to treat, resulting in prolonged hospital stays, higher treatment costs and rising mortality, experts warned on Wednesday.

While no concrete data exists on deaths attributed to drug resistance, thousands of lives are believed to be lost annually to infections caused by resistant pathogens. This has prompted experts to urge a multisectoral approach to combat what is being termed as a silent, emerging pandemic.

Speakers commended the health ministry alongside the National Institute of Health (NIH) for their comprehensive efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

"AMR is responsible for a significant burden of infections that are increasingly difficult to treat due to drug resistance. The emergence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) infections at the community level and the growing prevalence of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections have become harder to treat," said NIH Executive Director Dr Muhammad Salman.

He was speaking at the inaugural session of the National Symposium on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), organised as part of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2024 (WAAW) by the NIH in collaboration with the WHO, Fleming Fund, Health Services Academy (HSA) and Getz Pharma.

Dr Salman noted that the symposium, a regular NIH activity, aims to highlight the burden of AMR in Pakistan. Walks, seminars, training sessions and awareness campaigns are routinely held to advocate for the rational use of antibiotics.

Ministry of National Health Services Deputy Director of Programs, Dr Atiya Abro, highlighted that AMR not only threatens human health but also endangers food security by affecting livestock and crop health.

She warned that resistant pathogens reduce agricultural productivity and contribute to environmental contamination, further spreading resistance genes.

The preparation of the National Action Plan 2.0 and the implementation of technical and awareness initiatives reflect a strong commitment to addressing the growing AMR threat, she said, adding that these measures, aimed at promoting rational antibiotic use and fostering public awareness, have been lauded as essential steps in safeguarding public health and preventing further resistance development.

Getz Pharma's Lead of Public Health, Jaffer Bin Baqar, said they are working with NIH and other partners to tackle AMR by training over 15,000 healthcare providers nationwide and creating awareness about avoiding self-medication and the irrational use of antibiotics.

He emphasised limiting antibiotic use to prescription-only and ensuring adherence to prescribed dosages and durations.