“COVID Era: Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance”

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, a serious concern has emerged: the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights how the excessive use of antibiotics during the pandemic has made AMR worse.

1. Understanding the Issue

During the COVID-19 crisis, many people received antibiotics unnecessarily, which has fueled the spread of AMR. This means that antibiotics may not work as well in the future when we really need them.

2. The Importance of Antibiotic Classification

Antibiotics are classified into different categories based on their risk for causing resistance. The report shows that antibiotics in the ‘Watch’ category, which have a higher risk, were used the most during the pandemic.

3. Differences Across Regions

Antibiotic use varied widely from one region to another. Some places, like the Eastern Mediterranean and African Regions, had very high usage rates, while others, like the Western Pacific, had lower rates.

4. Urgent Action Needed

Despite only a small number of COVID-19 patients needing antibiotics for bacterial infections, many more were given antibiotics just in case. This unnecessary use of antibiotics is a big problem that we need to address urgently.

5. Looking Ahead: UN High-Level Meeting on AMR

Global leaders will soon meet to discuss how to tackle AMR. It’s important for them to come together and agree on ways to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use in human health, animal health, food production, and the environment.

6. Conclusion: Working Together for a Healthier Future

In the fight against AMR, we all have a role to play. By using antibiotics wisely and only when necessary, we can help slow down the spread of AMR and protect the effectiveness of these life-saving drugs for future generations. Let’s work together to ensure a healthier and more resilient world for all.

New data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates widespread overuse of antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic globally, potentially worsening the silent spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

While only 8% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients had bacterial co-infections necessitating antibiotics, about 75% were treated with antibiotics as a precautionary measure. Antibiotic use varied from 33% in the Western Pacific Region to 83% in the Eastern Mediterranean and African Regions. Between 2020 and 2022, antibiotic prescriptions declined in Europe and the Americas but rose in Africa.

The highest antibiotic use was among severe or critical COVID-19 cases, with a global average of 81%. In mild or moderate cases, there was significant regional variation, with the African Region having the highest use at 79%.

WHO categorizes antibiotics according to the AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) classification, based on AMR risk. The study found that ‘Watch’ antibiotics, with higher resistance potential, were most commonly prescribed globally.

Dr. Silvia Bertagnolio, WHO Unit Head for Surveillance, Evidence, and Laboratory Strengthening, emphasized the need for improved antibiotic use to minimize unnecessary risks and consequences for patients and populations.

Despite no improvement in clinical outcomes, antibiotic use in COVID-19 patients without bacterial infections could be harmful, highlighting the urgent need for rational antibiotic use.

A systematic review will complement these findings, informing upcoming WHO recommendations on antibiotic use in COVID-19 patients. The data is based on the WHO Global Clinical Platform for COVID-19, which collected anonymized clinical data from 450,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in 65 countries from January 2020 to March 2023.

Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for AMR, stressed the importance of adequately resourcing efforts to improve antibiotic prescribing globally, particularly ahead of the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR in September.

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