WHO's alarm about antibiotics: 30% of the population in Europe take them without criteria, a threat to life

Indiscriminate use of antibiotics is one of the main threats to public health. The World Health Organization raises the alarm about the consumption of antibiotics without a prescription and the high deaths that antimicrobial resistance is causing in Europe and around the world.

After a survey conducted in 14 European countries, including the Western Balkans, the WHO found that one third of the region's population uses antibiotics without a medical prescription. The reasons for taking antibiotics were colds, flu-like symptoms, sore throat and cough. But WHO experts point out that without a doctor's visit and expertise, medications cannot be taken, and even more so when it comes to viruses where antibiotics do not work.

"Reasons cited for taking antibiotics included colds (24%), flu-like symptoms (16%), sore throats (21%) and coughs (18%). These are cause for concern because these symptoms are often caused by viruses against which antibiotics do not work. Medical expertise is essential to make an accurate diagnosis and determine if antibiotics are the right course of treatment."

Leaders of the World Health Organization call on countries to undertake policies to raise awareness and educate the population about not taking medications without criteria. Also, the sale of antibiotics without a prescription should not be allowed

"Other factors of antimicrobial resistance are rooted in social and cultural norms learned in the community, for example, not finishing a course of antibiotics to save a few tablets for the next time you get sick or sharing them with a relative or neighbor. sick. This learned behavior can take time to change and it is imperative that knowledge of behavioral and cultural studies is fully utilized when planning interventions.”

According to WHO data, 5 million people die every year in the world from bacterial resistance that is created by the indiscriminate use of antibiotics. While in Europe, half a million citizens lose their lives every year. (A2 Televizion)