HEALTH MINISTRY WARNS OF GROWING THREAT POSED BY ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
The Ministry of Health has joined the global commemoration of Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week with a strong call for responsible use of medicines.At a press conference at the central medical store, health experts warned that the misuse and overuse of antibiotics are increasing the risk of antimicrobial resistance in the country. Officials stressed that AMR threatens human health, animal health and even plant health, making it a serious national concern.Antimicrobial resistance is one of the “fastest-growing health threats” worldwide. It occurs when bacteria and other germs develop the ability to defeat medicines designed to kill them. “When this happens, infections become harder to treat, health care costs rise, and patients face higher chances of severe illness or death,” health experts say.Momodou Barrow, the representative of the World Health Organisation Country Office, said there is an “alarming rise in deaths” caused by antimicrobial resistance.Haruna Jallow and Baba Fofana both members of the National Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance team, emphasised that surveillance is essential for tracking resistant infections and guiding effective interventions. They say that AMR “affects every sector, making monitoring a critical tool for early detection and response.”Dr Ousman Ceesay, Deputy Director of Animal Health at the Department of Livestock Services, said protecting animals from infection is one of the first steps in breaking the chain of resistance.Officials warn that resistant infections can “spread between animals and people,” and even “affect agricultural production” by limiting the ability to treat plant diseases.The Ministry of Health is calling on the public to use antibiotics “responsibly and only when prescribed by a qualified health worker.” They also call for the strengthening of “infection prevention and control practices” in homes, communities and health facilities.As Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week continues, authorities say the fight against AMR can only be won through collective responsibility, disciplined use of medicines and a national commitment to protecting current and future generations from a preventable crisis.
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