Antibiotic Abuse Sparks Warning of Escalating Antimicrobial Resistance Threat
Warning issued by Professor Eric Sampane-Donkor regarding the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance due to the increasing abuse of antibiotics, especially substandard ones, and the proactive steps Ghana is taking to address this global health
During his inaugural lecture at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, Professor Eric Sampane-Donkor, an esteemed expert in Bacteriology and Global Health, sounded the alarm on the rising misuse of antibiotics, particularly the proliferation of substandard varieties. He cautioned that this trend could fuel a surge in antimicrobial resistance, potentially leading to increased fatalities.
Professor Sampane-Donkor, who leads the Department of Medical Microbiology at the University of Ghana Medical School, underscored the vulnerability of weak healthcare systems in Africa, which often drive individuals to resort to over-the-counter antibiotic purchases—an uncommon practice in more developed regions.
Highlighting the global ramifications, he emphasized that antibiotic misuse, compounded by international travel, could facilitate the spread of antimicrobial resistance pathogens, posing a significant threat to human health and survival.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified antimicrobial resistance as one of the paramount challenges to global public health. Currently responsible for 700,000 deaths annually, this menace could result in a staggering 10 million deaths yearly by 2050, alongside a substantial reduction in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), amounting to trillions of dollars globally.
Professor Sampane-Donkor's lecture shed light on how antimicrobial resistance impedes progress towards several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and well-being for all.
Ghana, like many other nations, faces a significant threat from multi-drug-resistant pathogens, including the emergence of "superbugs" such as methicillin-resistant strains. However, the country has taken proactive steps by formulating a comprehensive National Action Plan, employing a one-health approach to combat antimicrobial resistance.
To mitigate the crisis, Professor Sampane-Donkor emphasized the importance of continuous education, capacity building, and increased investment in research. He highlighted ongoing efforts within his department, where numerous PhD candidates are studying specific pathogens to inform future guidelines in tackling antimicrobial resistance effectively.
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