Over 1 000 independent pharmacies in South Africa will be spreading the word to “use antibiotics wisely”, supporting an initiative between the National Department of Health, South African Pharmacy Council and the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa.
Ms Jackie Maimin, the CEO of the Independent Community Pharmacy Association (ICPA), is confident members will play a leading role in educating consumers and patients about the appropriate use of antibiotics.
The misuse and overuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and multi-drug resistant bacteria, also called “super-bugs”.
“A World Health Organisation (Who) report states, ‘This serious threat is no longer a prediction for the future, it is happening right now in every region of the world and has the potential to affect anyone, of any age, in any country.
“Antibiotic resistance, when bacteria changes so antibiotics no longer work in people who need them to treat infections, is now a major threat to public health,” said Ms Maimin.
A new group of superbugs is on the increase, called “Gram-negative bacteria”, which is becoming more prevalent in hospitals across the country.
These are particularly deadly because they are increasingly resistant to current treatments.
Doctors are finding that they no longer have the medical weapons needed to fight these bacterias, resulting in dire consequences for patients who contract these bugs.
“ICPA is well-placed to reach communities throughout South Africa and members will be emphasising the fact that in order to protect antibiotics against resistance, we have to limit overuse and prevent misuse,” said Ms Maimin.
Patients should only take antibiotics as and when prescribed by a doctor, dentist or nurse.
Patients should take the antibiotic exactly as prescribed without skipping any doses and should never share antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics.
Conditions such as the common cold, flu and most coughs are caused by viruses, not bacteria, so antibiotics will not help in these cases.
“We need to protect ourselves and our families against infections and the potential need for an antibiotic,” she said.
The following actions reduce the risk of infections:
r Wash hands well and often.
r Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
r Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
r Have an annual flu vaccination.
“Vaccines do not have a resistance problem because a vaccine enhances the body's natural defences, whereas an antibiotic operates separately from the body's normal defences.
“The major drive by ICPA members will be to educate communities on when antibiotics are appropriate,” added Ms Maimin.
Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. The type, strength and duration of treatment of the antibiotic are determined by the causative bacterium, the type of infection and the overall health of the affected individual.
Patients should not pressurise their doctor to prescribe antibiotics for viral infections, such as the common cold and flu or to try and “prevent” infections.
“Our members will be using every opportunity to educate communities during our daily interactions with patients.
“This is definitely an area of healthcare where we can as a team, of pharmacists and patients, make a positive difference to a situation that is a real concern for all.”
