The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has sounded the alarm over the increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), cautioning that it could lead to 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if urgent action is not taken.
AMR, a condition where microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to withstand the effects of medicines designed to eliminate them, is now a significant global public health concern.
AMR: A looming public health crisis
Speaking at a press conference to mark World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) 2024, Dr. Samuel Kow Donkoh, President of the PSGH, explained that AMR renders treatments ineffective, leading to prolonged illnesses, increased fatalities, and skyrocketing healthcare costs.
The global theme for the week, “Educate. Advocate, Act Now,” and Ghana’s national theme, “Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance in Ghana,” underscore the urgent need for action against a threat that could reverse decades of progress in healthcare.
Dr. Donkoh highlighted the concerning factors fueling AMR in Ghana, including the misuse and overuse of antimicrobial medications in both human and veterinary medicine, inadequate infection prevention and control measures in healthcare facilities, and poor sanitation and hygiene practices.
Pharmacists at the forefront of AMR battle
“As pharmacists, we stand at the forefront of healthcare delivery, tasked with safeguarding the efficacy of antimicrobial agents and ensuring their responsible use to protect present and future generations,” Dr. Donkoh said.
The PSGH emphasized that tackling AMR requires collective action from all stakeholders in the healthcare delivery chain. Public education is a critical component of this effort, particularly to correct widespread misconceptions about when antibiotics are necessary.
The PSGH addressed common conditions where antimicrobials are often misused:
Flu and colds
These are usually caused by viruses, which do not respond to antibiotics.
Over-the-counter medications are sufficient to alleviate symptoms.
Coughs and sore throats
Most cases are self-limiting and can be managed with cough mixtures, lozenges, or FDA-approved remedies.
Diarrhoea
Oral rehydration salts (ORS) and zinc tablets are effective in most cases, with severe cases requiring hospitalization.
Malaria
Feverish conditions should be tested before administering anti-malarials, as not all fevers are due to malaria.
The Society urged Ghanaians to consult pharmacists before taking any antimicrobial medication to avoid misuse and resistance.
Govt and regulatory efforts
Dr. Emmanuella Abassah-Konadu, a pharmacist at the Ministry of Health’s AMR Secretariat, revealed that the Ministry implemented an AMR action plan from 2017 to 2021 and is preparing a new plan to address gaps identified during the previous phase.
Meanwhile, the Pharmacy Council is taking steps to enforce regulations.
Dr. Mrs. Brenda Yayra Opong, Head of Registration and Licensing at the Council, warned that over-the-counter medicine shops found stocking antibiotics risk losing their licenses.
The way forward
The PSGH and its partners are calling for sustained public education, stronger enforcement of regulations, and greater commitment from all sectors to fight AMR.
With the theme “Educate. Advocate. Act Now,” the campaign highlights the collective responsibility to address this growing health crisis before it spirals out of control.
AMR is not just a medical issue; it is a national and global concern that requires a unified approach to safeguard the efficacy of life-saving treatments for future generations.
