Contributed by Siddarth David & Dr. Tamhankar
As the World Health Organisation
(WHO) ramps up its fight against antibiotic resistance, a new multi-country
survey shows people are confused about this major threat to public health.
The survey findings coincides with the WHO global campaign launch dubbed,
‘Antibiotics: Handle with care’, during the first World Antibiotic Awareness
Week, from November 16-22, 2015.
The report said almost two thirds
of some 10, 000 people who were surveyed across 12 countries said they know
antibiotic resistance as an issue that could affect them and their families,
but how it affects them and what they can do to address it are not well
understood. Also 64 per cent of respondents believe antibiotics could be
used to treat colds and flu, despite the fact that antibiotics have no impact
on viruses. Further, close to one third of people surveyed believe they
should stop taking antibiotics when they feel better, rather than completing
the prescribed course of treatment.
"The rise of antibiotic
resistance is a global health crisis, and governments now recognize it as one
of the greatest challenges for public health today.” said Dr Margaret Chan, WHO
Director-General, in launching the survey findings.