Misuse of antibiotics undermines efficacy – WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning regarding the misuse of antibiotics, which threatens their effectiveness and contributes to the development of drug-resistant bacteria. If this trend continues, it could result in up to 10 million deaths globally by 2050.

A study conducted by WHO’s European chapter across 14 countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia revealed alarming statistics: antibiotics were frequently prescribed for conditions like the common cold (24%), flu-like symptoms (16%), sore throats (21%), and coughs (18%).

The misuse of antimicrobials accelerates the development and spread of superbugs, making infections harder to treat effectively. Despite regulations in place to prevent antibiotic misuse in all countries surveyed, about one-third of the 8,200 people surveyed admitted to taking antibiotics without a medical prescription. Some nations reported over 40% of antibiotics being used without proper medical advice.

Comparatively, a survey in the European Union in 2022 displayed a lower rate, with only 8% of respondents using antibiotics without prescriptions. The WHO highlighted significant gaps in public knowledge about antibiotics, leading to their misuse for inappropriate reasons.

Robb Butler, WHO Europe’s Division of Communicable Diseases Director, stressed the necessity for enforcing existing regulations to curb antibiotic misuse. He emphasized the urgent need for education and awareness campaigns to address this issue.

The WHO’s warning underscores the critical importance of responsible antibiotic use and the potential catastrophic consequences if misuse continues unchecked. Efforts to enforce regulations, enhance public knowledge, and prevent the inappropriate use of antibiotics are essential to combat antimicrobial resistance and preserve the efficacy of these life-saving drugs.