ANTIMICROBIAL
Resistance (AMR) is the ability of germs or bacteria to grow despite the
presence of a drug that would normally kill them or limit their growth. The
propagation of drug-resistant organisms or superbugs is a serious phenomenon
that is now becoming a major global concern to human and animal health.
As a
consequence of AMR, drugs that used to be efficacious are no longer effective
in treating infectious diseases, thus increasing the risk of spreading them.
Drug resistance can be catastrophic if left unchecked.
In fact
in 2012, about 480,000 people were reported to have developed resistance
towards several tuberculosis (TB) drugs. In addition, the World Health
Organization (WHO) reported increasing resistance to influenza and malaria
drugs, hampering treatment of these diseases.
The
impact of AMR is significant as the death rate due to serious infections can be
very high while those who survive are at risk of developing debilitating
conditions.
In the
manufacture of animal products and by-products, antibiotics is rampantly used
to increase yield and control infections. The improper use of antibiotics can
lead to propagation of drug-resistant bacteria in the gut of the animals. They
eventually appear in the animal and agriculture products through contaminated
water or soil and surfaces during the preparation of food, and through the
environment.
Eventually,
people may be exposed to and developantibiotic-resistant infections that cause
mild to serious illnesses.
Malaysia
has legislated the Animal Feed Act 2009 to control the spread of these
infections among animals. The Health Ministry has also launched the
Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme in all government healthcare organisations
to control infections among humans.
These
efforts will be further strengthened with the improvement of legislation,
regulatory surveillance and monitoring systems pertaining to the control and
use of antimicrobials.
The
threat of superbugs is a complex problem that requires top priority and
collective action across sectors to control. The One Health approach is the
most appropriate means to address the challenges of these superbugs.
The
recent establishment of the Malaysia One Health University Network (MyOHUN) is
a very positive step to address this issue. One of the agendas of MyOHUN is to
promote collaborations among multi- or trans-disciplines in the response to
emerging infectious diseases and global public health concerns. This initiative
will go a long way to facilitate collaborative work among experts and workers
in the human and animal health sectors.
At the
global level, trans-disciplinary collaboration through a tripartite agreement
on AMR among the World Organisation for Animal Health (OiE), Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) and WHO has been established. Through this,
representatives from the human and animal health sectors are working together
to align and collate policies, strategies and activities in collaboration with
other key stakeholders from both the private and public sectors.
One of
the tasks of the One Health initiative is to educate the public on the dangers
and importance of being aware of AMR.
Awareness
must be instilled in people on how to control these infections and this can
only be achieved through their cooperation.
The
public must be made aware of the importance of proper handwashing procedures
when in close contact with sick people, and of up-to-date vaccination.
Antimicrobial
drugs must only be prescribed by certified health professionals; all
prescriptions must be taken until finished; and sharing drugs with others must
be avoided.
Good farm
practices on the use of antibiotics on food-producing animals must be ensured
through legislation and close monitoring to prevent abuse.
Farmers
who are the primary food producers must be educated on the judicious and
rational use of antimicrobials through training and awareness and outreach
programmes. This endeavour can only be successfully achieved through
collaborations among multi- or trans-disciplines or the One Health approach.
It is
only through these efforts that the general health and safety of the population
now and for generations to come can be protected from the threat of superbugs.
Dr
Rozaihan Mansor
Department
of Farm and Exotic Animals Medicine and Surgery
Universiti
Putra Malaysia
No comments:
Post a Comment