By Seraphine Nyuiemedi
The National anti-microbial resistance (AMR) Coodinator for the Ministry of Health, Dr. Saviour Yevutsey, has described as worrying the phasing out of most commonly known antibiotic drugs due to the development of resistance to those drugs by living organisms.
He said prolonged antibiotic recovery durations are one of the consequences of antimicrobial resistance which makes medical care more expensive for the ordinary Ghanaian to afford. He said anti-microbial resistance is not only a threat to humans, but also animals, plants and the environment as a whole.
Dr Yevutsey was speaking at a sensitisation program on the prevention of anti-microbial resistance (AMR) in living organisms at Sogakofe in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region. The public education is part of nationwide efforts by the Ministry of Health and its stakeholders to address the misuse and overuse of antibiotic drugs. Dr Yevutsey advised the public to stick to drug prescriptions to prevent the overuse or underuse of drugs especially, antibiotics.
He urged them against the disposal of unused medicines into the environment, stressing that the practice helps living organisms to build natural resistance. Dr Yevutsey said although his outfit in collaboration with other stakeholders is implementing interventions to save the situation, continuous drug misuse is reducing the capacity of organisms to respond positively to antibiotics, thereby challenging their efforts in the fight against AMR.
“Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) is a “silent pandemic, Data shows that anti-microbial resistance is a serious issue in Ghana, and we are implementing interventions in one health approach- animals, humans and the environment. “AMR is real and we are experiencing treatment failures as a result of the system. More drugs are being phased out” he said.
Dr Yevutsey said farmers in all sectors are being trained on bio-security measures as part of the interventions implemented to address the menace. National Coodinator of the AMR Project at the FAO, Dr Kofi Afakye said sensitisation for farmers is one of the several interventions initiated.
He said the poultry sector is currently the focus as it remains the largest consumer of antibiotics. Dr Afakye added that the fish sector, particularly tilapia farming will also become their focus area as no sector will be left behind in the fight against AMR.
He said the quadripartite of agencies and organizations which includes the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) provides technical and financial support to countries to enable them develop action plans and policies for the fight.
Dr Afakye said a common AMR law for all sectors and industries is in the process and believes that with the industrial tours to pharmacies, agrochemical shops, markets and the ongoing community outreaches, the fight will witness a significant progress.
A veterinary Technologist at the National Veterinary Service Directorate, Alberta Owusu Afriyie said self-prescribed drug administration among livestock farmers was on the increase and urged the public to buy meat and its related products from veterinary-approved sources.
She also advised farmers to ensure bio security in animal care and consult veterinary officers before animals are butchered.
The campaign witnessed a free health screening for several health conditions and the beneficiaries were taken through the proper use of condoms and contraceptives among others. The nationwide public education campaign is on the theme “Preventing Anti-Microbial Resistance Together “.
