The World Health Organization has also taken action on "antibiotic resistance", which is on its way to becoming a very serious health problem for the world. In line with the studies, Yeditepe University Hospitals Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu pointed out that the use of antibiotics in our country has increased by 32.87% in the last 10 years, according to the first results of the research.

Stating that unnecessary and excessive use of antibiotics, which is considered one of the greatest discoveries of medical science for the benefit of humanity, has revealed antimicrobial resistance, which is the biggest health hazard in the 21st century, Infectious Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu pointed out that 700,000 people die every year in the world due to antibiotic resistance.

Pointing out that the statistics on antibiotic resistance, which has become a global problem for the world, are alarming. Yeditepe University Hospitals Infectious Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu said, “Besides the fact of loss of life, economic losses have become a major problem, especially in low and middle-income countries. Since the production of new antibiotics is now very difficult and there is no good news on the horizon, the correct management of usable antibiotics has become imperative.

World Health Organization Takes Action

Reminding that the World Health Organization prioritizes studies on the correct use of antibiotics and reducing antimicrobial resistance, Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu continued her words as follows: “The decisions to be taken have begun to be determined with the surveillance system (Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS)) initiated by the World Health Organization to monitor antimicrobial resistance. First of all, with the antibiotic classification called AWARe, the rules for antibiotic use were determined and started to be followed.

Turkey's Report on Antibiotic Resistance is Weak

Pointing out that our country is among the countries with the highest antibiotic resistance, Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu said, “According to the first results of the research, the use of antibiotics in our country has increased by 32.87% in the last 10 years and the antibiotics to be chosen first should be at least 60% of all antibiotics, but they are 40% in our country. Antibiotic consumption in Turkey is among the highest across the WHO European Region, and antibiotic use is a major driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).”

Saying that a new electronic prescription system has been developed to monitor and control antibiotic use in Turkey, Yeditepe University Hospitals Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu said, “The system tracks prescription data and provides feedback to doctors. Turkey is a member of the WHO Antimicrobial Drug Consumption Network, and its data comply with WHO international standards.

How to Control the Situation?

Underlining the need to control antibiotic resistance and increase public awareness, Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu listed what needs to be done as follows:

• Antibiotics should be used only when recommended by the doctor and for the period determined by the doctor.
• Most upper respiratory tract infections, which are the diseases for which antibiotics are prescribed the most, develop due to viruses, not bacteria, on which antibiotics are effective. Therefore, it should be known that antibiotics have no effect on these diseases and should be acted on accordingly.
• The doctor should not be asked or pressured to prescribe antibiotics.
• Antibiotics should not be kept at home and antibiotics should not be offered to other people.
• Antibiotics should not be used as fever relievers and painkillers.
• Antibiotics should not be stopped before the recommended time, but also should not be used longer than necessary.

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