Whenever we get sick with the flu or some infection, we want the quickest and most potent form of relief - and that's meds which includes antibiotics. But health officials say the overuse and misuse of antibiotics can lead to antimicrobial resistance. That's basically when your body becomes immune to the antibiotic. That is just part of it, the real problem is when you really need the antibiotics to heal after a major surgery, as a form of treatment for cancer chemotherapy or HIV - it won't have any effect. The World Health Organization says it is "an increasingly serious threat to global public health that requires action across all government sectors and society." Well, the Ministry of Health took action today by hosting an antibiotic forum at the Marion Jones Stadium training room. Here is more.
Samira Gongora, Drug Inspector, Ministry of Health
"We wanted to sensitize the private sector on what is antimicrobial resistance, what are the causes and what are the systems should be in place to ensure so it does not increase because we know it is increasing at dangerous levels in the world actually and so we want to ensure that it doesn't go any further in Belize because we have studies that show that some of the Cephalosporin in Belize are showing resistance."
Courtney Weatherburne, reporter
"What would you like the participants to take away from this discussion, the key points?"
Samira Gongora
"To ensure that antibiotics is being prescribed and are given for treatments it is made for and not only because for instance we are in the flu season, not just because you have a flu the patient might be I need antibiotics to feel better, not necessarily, the misuse and abuse that is what leads to antibiotic resistance and so we want to make sure it is managed and handled properly and get rid of the misuse and abuse."
This is the first forum of its kind. About 30 health care professionals participated.
Email
Print