The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning, cautioning that the misuse of antibiotics is jeopardizing their effectiveness and giving rise to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The consequences of such resistance could lead to an estimated 10 million deaths worldwide by 2050, according to the WHO.
This warning follows a survey conducted by WHO’s European chapter, revealing alarming trends in antibiotic usage.
The study, conducted in 14 countries, primarily in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, disclosed troubling patterns in antibiotic prescriptions.
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Notably, antibiotics were prescribed for ailments such as the common cold (24 percent), flu-like symptoms (16 percent), sore throat (21 percent), and cough (18 percent).
The misuse of antibiotics contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a phenomenon accelerated by the improper use of antimicrobials, making infections more challenging to treat effectively.
The WHO’s European region, encompassing 53 countries, faces the threat of superbugs due to the misuse of antibiotics.
The study identified that a third of the approximately 8,200 people surveyed across the 14 countries had taken antibiotics without a medical prescription, raising concerns about incorrect prescription practices.
In some countries, over 40 percent of antibiotics were used without medical advice.
Robb Butler, Director of WHO Europe’s Division of Communicable Diseases, emphasized that enforcing existing regulations could mitigate antibiotic misuse.
The WHO stressed the need for immediate intervention, warning that resistance to antimicrobials, including antibiotics, could result in up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050.
The survey also highlighted significant gaps in public knowledge about antibiotics, underlining the importance of education and awareness-raising initiatives.
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