As part of World Antibiotics Awareness Week, the Antimicrobial Stewardship Team ( AMS) from Lekma Hospital is embarking on a tour against the use of Antibiotics and its consequences.
This is an annual observance and global campaign that raises awareness of the threat of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic use. It is celebrated from 18th to 24th November each year.
Speaking with Obaapa Janeee on the Ahotor mmre , last Friday, Dr Gracelyn Asare mentioned that the team for this year is ‘’Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together’’.
According to them, Antimicrobial Resistance occurs when microorganisms ( bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) change in the presence of medications that are used to kill them, and they longer respond to those medicines.
Madam Diana Ayerh advised the public that a viral infection doesn’t need antibiotics but we go to the Pharmacy shops with viral infections and antibiotics are given to us which shouldn’t be so, because of viral infection by itself by drinking plenty of water and fruits.
‘‘Bacteria infections, on the other hand, need antibiotics to go away, but we have different types of antibiotics for every bacterial infection, so it is better to go to the hospital for them to diagnose you and know the type of antibiotics you need. Then going to the pharmacy where they will give you different antibiotic which can’t cure it,’’ she said
Madam Afua Akuffo added that when this continues for some time, taking those Antiobiotcs for a long period causes Antimicrobial Resistance.
‘’And when the right antibiotic is given to you, then the body doesn’t respond to the treatment, so we are pleading with people to reduce the intake of antibiotics or preferably go the hospital if any infections occur.’’
Lastly, they said that they will be going to our various SHSs to educate our children on the use of antibiotics and when it is needed.
Story by Obaapa Janee
