The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana has raised concerns about the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, which is exacerbating the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
Samuel Ekow Donkoh, the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, highlighted the dangers of antibiotic resistance, stating that it undermines the efficacy of infection treatments, drives up expenses, raises mortality rates, and subjects patients to more severe side effects.
He emphasized the critical need to prioritize safeguarding existing antibiotics, especially as research and development for new antibiotics have shown limited success.
We lack new antimicrobial agents or antibiotics being developed. Research and development efforts from large pharmaceutical companies have not produced favorable outcomes for us. Despite the potential emergence of new antibiotics from the pipeline, they are expected to be prohibitively expensive. We must ensure the preservation of our possessions. We must protect the antibiotics we currently possess.
He added that resistance can also be observed in other species besides humans. Antibiotics given to animals can lead to cross-resistance, as humans may indirectly consume these substances through animal products such as poultry and fish.
Pharm Donkoh emphasized the importance of responsible antibiotic usage for veterinary officers and the animal industry in addressing this escalating problem.
According to him, not finishing prescribed treatments, giving away leftover antibiotics, and self-medicating with antibiotics for conditions like colds, coughs, and diarrhoea only make the problem worse.
He mentioned that in many cases, antibiotics are not necessary for these conditions and they can be treated with simpler solutions like lozenges, cough suppressants, or rehydration solutions.
These five common conditions can be effectively treated without the use of antimicrobial agents, yet many Ghanaians still prefer to rely on these medications when dealing with them. When people have the flu or a cold that lasts a while, they often believe that they require antibiotics. When individuals have a cough and do not require it, they believe the quickest way to alleviate their symptoms is by taking antibiotics.
During the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana is working with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Federation of International Pharmacies (FIP) to implement strategies that promote responsible antibiotic use and increase awareness.
The Society is urging Ghanaians to adopt effective practices in order to safeguard existing antibiotics and address the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance.
