The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization office in Kuwait, recently hosted a symposium to raise awareness about the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. The event, held in celebration of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, emphasized the need for cooperation among all stakeholders to prevent antibiotic resistance and misuse.
Dr. Al-Mundhir Al-Hasawi, the Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Affairs at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of optimal antibiotic use to achieve positive health outcomes. He highlighted the significance of this symposium as a platform to bring together specialists and support programs that supervise the use of antibiotics in healthcare facilities in Kuwait.
Antibiotic resistance has been classified by the World Health Organization as one of the top ten threats to human health. It is responsible for more than 1.2 million deaths globally, surpassing the mortality rates of malaria, AIDS, and tuberculosis. Kuwait recognizes the seriousness of this issue and has taken proactive measures by establishing committees dedicated to combating antibiotic resistance and promoting optimal antibiotic use.
Dr. Abeer Omar, the Head of the Department of Statistical Studies and Analysis in the Infection Prevention Department at the Ministry of Health, called for addressing the problem of antimicrobial resistance. She emphasized the importance of confronting this challenge that affects everyone. The representative of the World Health Organization in Kuwait, Dr. Asad Hafeez, echoed this sentiment and stressed the need for multi-sectoral cooperation to implement antimicrobial stewardship.
Antimicrobial resistance poses a threat not only to humans but also to animals, plants, and the environment. Dr. Hafeez highlighted the importance of preventing antimicrobial resistance and the urgency of cooperation to protect future generations. He emphasized the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, as a framework to address the emergence and spread of drug-resistant pathogens.
The symposium also aimed to draw attention to the Ministry of Health’s national action plan and encourage healthcare professionals to exercise caution when prescribing antibiotics. It emphasized the need for healthcare providers to consider the risks associated with overprescribing antibiotics and to promote responsible antibiotic use.
The warnings issued by the Health Ministry and the World Health Organization in Kuwait serve as a wake-up call for the Filipino Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Kuwait and their families. As members of the Filipino community abroad, it is essential for them to be aware of the risks associated with the misuse and overuse of antibiotics.
Antibiotics are powerful medications that can save lives when used appropriately. However, their misuse, such as taking them without a prescription or not completing the full course of treatment, can lead to antibiotic resistance. This means that the antibiotics become less effective in treating infections, making them harder to cure and potentially life-threatening.
As a Filipino OFW in Kuwait, it is crucial to follow the healthcare guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health and healthcare professionals. This includes taking antibiotics only when prescribed by a doctor, completing the full course of treatment, and not sharing antibiotics with others.
Additionally, it is important to understand that antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, such as the common cold or flu. Misusing antibiotics for viral infections not only contributes to antibiotic resistance but also exposes individuals to unnecessary side effects.
By being informed and responsible, Filipino OFWs in Kuwait can contribute to the global efforts in combating antibiotic resistance. It is a shared responsibility among individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations.
Source: Health Ministry warnings about misuse of antibiotics
