مؤاب -
Mohammed Salameh Al-Tarawneh,MD
Consultant,Infectious Diseases
Assistant professor of internal medicine and infectious diseases
The Alarming Rise of Antibiotics Misuse in Jordan: A Call to Action
The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have become a pressing concern worldwide, and Jordan is no exception. The absence of a comprehensive policy and regulations from the Ministry of Health, combined with inadequate enforcement mechanisms, has led to a culture of reckless antibiotics prescription and consumption.
Consequences of Antibiotics Misuse
The repercussions of antibiotics misuse are far-reaching and devastating. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a significant threat to public health, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of mortality. Moreover, the overuse of antibiotics disrupts the delicate balance of the human microbiome, leading to a range of health problems.
Current State of Antibiotics Use in Jordan
A recent study revealed that Jordan has one of the highest rates of antibiotics consumption in the world. The study found that antibiotics are often prescribed unnecessarily, with a staggering 80% of patients receiving antibiotics for viral infections, against which they are ineffective.
Urgent Need for Policy and Regulatory Framework
To combat the growing problem of antibiotics misuse, Jordan urgently needs a comprehensive policy and regulatory framework. The Ministry of Health must take the lead in developing and enforcing laws and guidelines that promote responsible antibiotics use.
Key Recommendations
1. *Establish a National Antibiotics Stewardship Program*: Develop a program that promotes responsible antibiotics use, monitors consumption patterns, and provides education and training for healthcare professionals.
2. *Enact and Enforce Laws and Regulations*: Develop and enforce laws and regulations that prohibit the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics and ensure that antibiotics are prescribed only by licensed healthcare professionals.
3. Improve Public Awareness*: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the risks associated with antibiotics misuse and the importance of responsible use.
4. Provide Incentives for Responsible Use*: Offer incentives to healthcare professionals and pharmacies that demonstrate responsible antibiotics use practices.
Conclusion
The misuse and overuse of antibiotics in Jordan is a ticking time bomb that requires immediate attention. The Ministry of Health, healthcare professionals, and the public must work together to promote responsible antibiotics use and prevent the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The time to act is now.
