Antibiotic Awareness Day 18 November 2013

Concerted efforts to combat Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs)

MDROs is a global issue which medical practitioners have to face daily nowadays. As a consequence, patients who are infected with these resistant bacteria have limited options for treatment. Misuse of antibiotic is the key driving force of the problem. To tackle the problem, all relevant parties and stakeholders have to live up to their responsibility to combat this serious health threat in their respective areas.  The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of Department of Health in collaboration with various health-related organisations has been actively promoting safe use of antibiotics through various channels.

Antibiotic Awareness Day is marked annually on November 18 as a public health initiative to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance threat and the importance of prudent antibiotic use.

Health Care Providers

Healthcare providers have an important role in reducing antibiotic resistance. The Interhospital Multi-disciplinary Programme on Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (IMPACT) Guidelines serves an invaluable reference tool for medical and health professionals in reinforcing the appropriate use of antimicrobial drugs.  Following the publication of the fourth edition of IMPACT Guidelines last year, the convenient mobile application of IMPACT was officially launched this year. 

Another effective way to reduce MDRO infection is to implement appropriate infection control measures in particular the observance of WHO Five Moments of Hand Hygiene. The recommendation is not limited to hospitals but also to other healthcare settings including long-term care facilities (LTCFs).

Public

Everybody has a role in combating antibiotic resistance. It is normal to be concerned when you or your beloved ones are sick. Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria and not viruses — colds, flu and most coughs are caused by viruses and will get better on their own. Using antibiotics wisely is the easiest way to reduce antibiotic resistance. This means only taking antibiotics as prescribed, in right dose, right interval and right duration.