Our time with antibiotics is running out

ince their discovery, antibiotics have served as the cornerstone of modern medicine. However, the persistent overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human and animal health have encouraged the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance, which occurs when microbes, such as bacteria, become resistant to the drugs used to treat them. Commemorated every November, World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) aims to increase awareness of global antibiotic resistance and to encourage best practices among the general public, health workers, and policymakers to avoid the further emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance.

Speaking at an event commemorating WAAW in Eritrea on 12 November, Ms. Amina Nurhusien, Eritrea’s Minister of Health, stated, “The misuse of antibiotics is causing antimicrobial medicines to fail. The spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is outpacing the world’s capacity for antibiotic discovery. This will lead the world towards a post-antibiotic era in which previously easily treatable common infections will become challenging to treat.” At the event, held at the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers’ (NCEW) conference hall, Minister Amina also announced that Eritrea is developing a national action plan to combat AMR and that the plan will be based on an integrated approach (referred to as “one health”).

Source and further reading: Ministry of Information Erithrea