2024-11-17 22:58:00
The Ministry of Health invites the community to participate in activities that will be carried out in provincial hospitals within the framework of the International Week for Awareness of the Correct Use of Antibiotics.
These measures aim to raise awareness of the issue among health teams and, in many cases, have been extended to the entire community attending these facilities.
The main event will take place on Wednesday 20th at the Civic Center and will be attended by the Minister of Health, the Directors of Hospitals in the Capital and Inland Regions, the Coordinators of Healthcare-Associated Infections – IACS – Provincial Hospital Committees, Pharmacy Staff in the Capital and Inland Regions Resident physician and pharmacy director at a regional hospital.
The event will be attended by faculty from the National University of Córdoba and the Catholic University of Córdoba, who are leaders in the field. In addition, the Provincial Council of Doctors of Córdoba, the medical community of Córdoba, colleges, institutes, societies and chambers of commerce related to the subject will also participate.
Correct use
Proper use of antibiotics and antimicrobials (such as antiviral, antifungal, or antiparasitic drugs) is important in preventing and treating potentially fatal diseases in humans.
At the same time, inappropriate use or systemic abuse of these drugs can accelerate antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is understood as the ability of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) to develop specific mechanisms that enable them to survive these drugs .
This loss of effectiveness results in the need for more expensive drugs, longer treatment times, and more side effects, thereby increasing health care costs, lengthening hospital stays, and increasing mortality.
In this regard, Gustavo Martinez, who is responsible for the patient safety and quality control service, said: “The increasing resistance of microorganisms to these drugs is a public health problem worldwide, which is why we must use it very responsibly. .
At the same time, the reference emphasizes “the need to inform communities about the responsible use of antibiotics to maintain their effectiveness.”
In this sense, when infection is suspected, The first thing to do is to get a medical consultation to determine what type of illness is occurring.;if it is produced by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.
Apart from, It is important to remember that antibiotics should only be prescribed by a medical or dental professional.; Therefore, it is important not to self-treat and to avoid the advice of a trained professional.
Other suggestions
It must be taken into account that each antibacterial drug has its indications for different infections, and the most common antibacterial drugs, such as amoxicillin or azithromycin, should not be used for colds or flu, as they are of viral origin and cannot be treated with antibiotics. These agents have a positive effect.
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Likewise, if you take antimicrobials, you must follow the instructions (dose, days and frequency) set by your health team and stop the medication when directed, rather than stopping it prematurely, even if the person is feeling better. Even if the symptoms are the same, they should not be used again without signs.
multi-sector approach
According to the World Health Organization, microbial resistance is a growing global health threat that requires an immediate multi-sectoral approach because the correct treatment of some infections is at risk.
The country has enacted Law No. 27680, which declares that the prevention and control of antimicrobial resistance is in the national public interest and aims to establish the necessary mechanisms to promote antimicrobial resistance on the national territory.
Provincial public hospitals have implemented appropriate antimicrobial use programs since 2001, with a pre-authorization system for restricted antimicrobial prescriptions under the leadership of the Patient Safety and Quality Control Department.
In addition, there is an interdisciplinary working group that has been meeting since 2018 and is working on dissemination projects to improve the appropriate indications for antimicrobials.
The field is represented by representatives from universities, schools of pharmacy, medical, dental and veterinary science societies, as well as ministries of health and municipalities, among others.
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What are the key goals of the International Week for Awareness of the Correct Use of Antibiotics?
**Interview with Gustavo Martinez, Head of Patient Safety and Quality Control Service, Ministry of Health**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Gustavo. Can you tell us more about the upcoming International Week for Awareness of the Correct Use of Antibiotics and its significance?
**Gustavo Martinez:** Thank you for having me. This event, occurring from November 20th, is crucial because it aims to educate both healthcare professionals and the community about the responsible use of antibiotics. We want to raise awareness about the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and emphasize the importance of using these medicines correctly to prevent their effectiveness from being compromised.
**Interviewer:** What are the major activities planned during this week?
**Gustavo Martinez:** The main event will be held at the Civic Center on the 20th, where we’ll have various attendees, including the Minister of Health and hospital directors, as well as representatives from universities and medical councils. We will host talks and discussions focusing on the responsible prescribing of antibiotics and guiding the community on when to seek medical advice.
**Interviewer:** Can you explain the consequences of inappropriate antibiotic use?
**Gustavo Martinez:** Certainly. Misuse of antibiotics can accelerate the growth of resistant microorganisms, making infections harder to treat. This can lead to more severe health outcomes, longer hospital stays, increased treatment costs, and unfortunately, higher mortality rates. It’s vital that we convey to the public the risks associated with self-treatment and the need for professional guidance.
**Interviewer:** What message do you want to convey to the community regarding antibiotic use?
**Gustavo Martinez:** The key takeaway is that antibiotics should only be prescribed by qualified medical professionals. If someone suspects an infection, the first step should always be to seek medical consultation to understand the nature of their illness—whether it’s bacterial, viral, or fungal. Only then can we determine the appropriate treatment.
**Interviewer:** Many people may be tempted to use antibiotics for common colds. How should the public address this misconception?
**Gustavo Martinez:** It’s essential to clarify that antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections like colds or the flu. It’s a common misconception that they help in these cases, but they do not. We encourage individuals to consult with healthcare providers for the correct advice and treatment options.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Gustavo. Your insights are invaluable as we approach this important awareness week.
**Gustavo Martinez:** Thank you for helping us spread the word. Together, we can make a significant impact on public health.
