Eritrea Urges Judicious Use of Medicines to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

The Ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Land, Water and Environment in Eritrea have jointly called on institutions and the public to ensure the judicious use of medicines. This appeal is part of the celebrations for World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week. The awareness campaign, which runs from November 16 to 22, aims to educate the public on the importance of preventing antimicrobial resistance. The theme for this year's campaign is "Let's Work in Collaboration to Prevent Antimicrobial Resistance."

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat. According to Ms. Sabrina Mulugeta, coordinator of National Antimicrobial Prevention, this can happen due to several factors. These include the use of traditional medication, improper use of medicines, and discontinuing prescribed treatment without medical advice. Sharing medicines with family members without consulting medical professionals and improper disposal of medicines also contribute to the problem.

The Eritrean national awareness-raising campaign will use various channels to reach the public. These include national media outlets and seminars in schools, health facilities, and administrative offices. The goal is to educate the public about the risks of antimicrobial resistance and the importance of responsible medicine use. By working together, the government and the public can help prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week is an important event that highlights the need for global action against antimicrobial resistance. The week-long campaign aims to raise awareness about the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance and promote responsible use of antimicrobials. Eritrea's participation in this campaign demonstrates its commitment to addressing this critical public health issue.

The consequences of antimicrobial resistance are severe. If left unchecked, it can lead to increased morbidity and mortality, longer hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs. Moreover, it can also have significant economic and social impacts. By taking proactive steps to prevent antimicrobial resistance, Eritrea can mitigate these risks and protect the health and well-being of its citizens.

The national awareness campaign is a step in the right direction. By educating the public about the importance of responsible medicine use, Eritrea can reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance. The government can also implement policies and programs to promote responsible use of antimicrobials and monitor their use. This multi-faceted approach can help Eritrea combat antimicrobial resistance effectively.

Eritrea's efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance are commendable. The country's proactive approach to addressing this critical public health issue sets a positive example for other nations to follow. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of antimicrobial resistance, Eritrea's commitment to responsible medicine use and public education serves as a model for effective action.

Key points

• The Eritrean government has launched a national awareness campaign to educate the public about the risks of antimicrobial resistance and promote responsible use of medicines.