Antimicrobial Resistance

Antibiotics have long been in use since the discovery of penicillin in 1928 by Sir Alexander Fleming. Today, some super-bugs have become resistant to multiple antibiotics, rendering them ineffective. This ultimately makes bacterial infections harder to treat, and also increases the risk of severe illness, longer hospitalisations and death (WHO, 2024). It is therefore unsurprising that antibiotic resistance is considered as one of the most serious global public health threats of this century (Prestinaci et al. 2015; European Commission, 2024).

One of the most common issues which contributes to antibiotic resistance is the overuse of broad spectrum antibiotics. The National AMR committee of Malta reports that the vast majority of respiratory infections are of a viral nature. This means that antibiotics are ineffective against these types of infections as viral infections may be effectively treated with symptomatic control therapy, as well as anti-viral therapy on an as-needed basis (NAMRCM, 2024). This is why it is very important that individuals visit their doctor before taking any antibiotics, so as to avoid the misuse or overuse of these medications, which in the long run, can cause more harm than benefit to the general population. Furthermore, sharing of antibiotics between friends and family members is highly discouraged as these persons may not require the same type of treatment. Moreover, it is of utmost importance that a course of antibioticss is completed in full and not stopped prematurely, even if one is feeling better. Stopping a course of antibiotics earlier than prescribed may increase the chances for the bacteria to develop resistance against that particular antibiotic, making it harder to treat.

Antibiotic resistance is an ever-increasing threat that needs to be combated by individuals from all walks of life, whether they are a patent, a healthcare professional or a stakeholder.