The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has raised concerns over the growing misuse and overuse of antibiotics, which is driving a sharp rise in antibiotic resistance.

In an interview with Citi News, Samuel Ekow Donkoh, President of PSGH, highlighted the serious implications of antibiotic resistance, warning that it could render treatments for infections ineffective, increase healthcare costs, and lead to higher mortality rates and severe side effects.

Mr Donkoh noted that the global pipeline for new antibiotics has been drying up, making the protection of existing antibiotics more urgent than ever.

“When it comes to antimicrobial agents, or antibiotics to be more specific, we don’t have new ones coming out. Research and development from major pharmaceutical companies is not yielding positive results,” he said. “Even if new antibiotics do emerge, they will likely be prohibitively expensive. This is why we must safeguard the antibiotics we currently have.”

Resistance Beyond Human Medicine

The PSGH president also pointed out that antibiotic resistance is not confined to humans. Antibiotics used in animals, such as poultry and fish, contribute to cross-resistance, where humans indirectly ingest these agents through animal products. He called on veterinary professionals and the animal farming industry to adopt more responsible practices in antibiotic use.

Misuse Among the Public

Mr Donkoh criticised common practices in Ghana, such as failing to complete prescribed antibiotic treatments, sharing leftover medication, and self-medicating for illnesses like colds, coughs, and diarrhoea. He explained that these conditions often do not require antibiotics and can be managed with simpler remedies such as cough suppressants, lozenges, or rehydration solutions.

“These five common conditions can be managed without antimicrobial agents, but many Ghanaians believe antibiotics are the solution,” he said. “For example, when they have the flu or a persistent cold, they often assume antibiotics are necessary. The same applies to coughs, where people think antibiotics will resolve their symptoms quickly, even when it’s not required.”

A Call to Action

The PSGH is urging the public and healthcare providers to use antibiotics responsibly to combat the growing threat of resistance. Failure to address the issue, Mr Donkoh warned, could lead to a future where even simple infections become untreatable.

Source:TheDotNews