World Health Day 2011- April 7

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has selected the theme  COMBAT ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE  for World Health Day 2011.

World Health Day is a unique opportunity for communities from across the world to come together for one day to promote actions that can improve our health.

What is Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?

Antimicrobial resistance – also known as drug resistance – occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change in ways that render the medications we use to cure them ineffective. When microorganisms become resistant to most antimicrobials they are often referred to as “superbugs”. This is a major concern because a resistant infection may kill, can spread to others, and imposes huge costs to individuals and society.

Antimicrobial resistance can develop when antibiotics are used too often or without a purpose, when an antibiotic is stopped too early, and the dose or scheduled instructions for the antibiotic are not followed.

What is Sun Country Health Region doing?

Sun Country Health Region (SCHR) has already undertaken a number of measures to combat drug resistances including a Safer Healthcare Now! MRSA initiative on hand hygiene, medicine reconciliation system, increased environmental cleaning, and several others initiatives.

A monthly presentation called “Bug of the Month” has been prepared for all employees of the Region to learn more about infectious diseases. For information on nosocomial antimicrobial infections in SCHR, refer to the 2009-2010 Annual Report (pages 22-24) on the website at: Sun Country Health Region/Annual Report.

What are Antimicrobial agents?

Antimicrobial agents are medicines used to treat infections caused by micro organisms, including bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. The discovery of antimicrobials is one of the most important advances in health in human history – alleviating suffering from disease and saving billions of lives over the past 70 years. Antimicrobials include antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents, antifungals, antiparasitic medicines, and antiviral medications.

Some reasons why AMR is a global concern:

- AMR challenges control of infectious diseases;

- AMR threatens a return to the pre-antibiotic era;

- AMR increases the costs of health care;

- AMR leads to deaths.

What can you do to help prevent antimicrobial resistance?

Everyone plays a role in preventing antimicrobial resistance. You can follow some simple infection control practices:

1. Wash your hands often to reduce your risk of becoming ill.
2. Ensure you and your children are up to date on your vaccinations. Vaccines prevent respiratory infections such as influenza, some forms of meningitis, mumps, chickenpox, Hepatitis B, and measles. For  more information on immunizations refer to SCHR website at: http://www.suncountry.sk.ca/service/182/88/immunization.html

• If you are sick, stay away from others as much as possible, to reduce spreading your infection to others.
• Use antibiotics wisely: Don’t expect to get antibiotics every time you have a cold or respiratory infection. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to feel better when you are ill.
• If you are prescribed antibiotics, follow the instructions for the dose and schedule exactly.
• Continue to take the antibiotics until the entire prescription is finished even if you start to feel better.
• Never share your prescription with some one else or save them for another time.

COMBAT DRUG RESISTANCE

No action today, no cure tomorrow

WHO calls on all key stakeholders, including policy-makers and planners, the public and patients, practitioners and prescribers, pharmacists and dispensers, and the pharmaceutical industry, to act and take responsibility for combating antimicrobial resistance.  

The WHO is engaged in guiding the response to AMR through: policy guidance, support for surveillance, technical assistance, knowledge generation and partnerships, including through disease prevention and control programmes; essential medicines quality, supply and rational use; infection prevention and control; patient safety; and laboratory quality assurance (Adapted from World Health Organization 2011).

For more information on AMR:

http://www.who.int/world-health-day/2011

For Parents:

http://antibioticawareness.ca/?page_id=26

For Adults:

http://antibioticawareness.ca/?page_id=73

http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/antibiotic-use/know-and-do.html

For Health Care Providers:

http://antibioticawareness.ca/?page_id=58