A third of those surveyed take antibiotics without a prescription

The European branch of the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about the overuse of antibiotics, which undermines their effectiveness and increases the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR could cause up to 10 million deaths worldwide by 2050, according to WHO Europe, which comprises 53 countries and stretches as far as Central Asia. The WHO points out that antimicrobial resistance, including to antibiotics, is a natural phenomenon, but their accelerated abuse leads to the development of superbugs and makes it difficult to treat infections effectively.

The study conducted in 14 countries in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region indicates that incorrect antibiotic prescribing is the main source of concern for health authorities. Reasons given for antibiotic use include the common cold, flu symptoms, sore throat and cough. In addition, about a third of those surveyed take antibiotics without a prescription, reports Agerpres, retrieved from AFP.  Another problem reported is related to social inequalities, as people with the lowest incomes and less education have poorer antibiotic use practices.

The WHO warning underlines the need for immediate intervention to reduce antibiotic abuse and to improve education and public awareness on the correct use of these medicines.