The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday pitched for strong measures by the Governments to stop availability of antibiotics over the counters and cautioned if nothing was done now then even common bacterial infections would become untreatable and fatal.
It said inappropriate use of antibiotics - whether through taking them when they are not required, taking an incomplete course or taking them too regularly - makes bacterial infections immune to antibiotics.
“Governments must take strong measures to stop over-the- counter availability of antibiotics, while strengthening and enforcing legislation to prevent the manufacture, sale and distribution of substandard antibiotics. These measures must be accompanied by campaigns to make behavioral and cultural changes in prescribers and patients so that antibiotics are no longer considered the first treatment option. If enough was not done now, common bacterial infections such as skin sores or diarrhoea would become untreatable and fatal,” Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia, Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh said.
Globally, around 7,00,000 people die every year due to once-treatable health conditions. “Now is the time to turn pledges into action. Stake out a clear roadmap and take action to prevent further erosion of our health security. The effectiveness of existing antibiotics is extremely valuable and we must do all we can to preserve it,” Dr Khetrapal Singh said.
In South-East Asia Region, health sector gaps, coupled with dense populations and sub-optimal sanitation, contributes to a breeding ground for bacterial infections, she said, adding that “this is already leading to loss of lives, long-term suffering, disability, and reduced productivity and earnings.