A call to action in the fight against antibiotic resistance

Health experts are asking everyone to think about the way they use antibiotics during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, (18-24 November).

The annual global campaign, led by the World Health Organisation (WHO), encourages people to take action to help reduce antibiotic resistance to ensure antibiotics continue to work now and in the future.

Antimicrobial resistance – also known as antibiotic resistance – has been identified as one of the most urgent global health threats - with WHO declaring it an international health emergency.

This year’s campaign theme, 'Educate, Advocate, Act Now' asks people everywhere to find out more about antibiotic resistance, help to inform others, and take real steps to help reduce it.

Dr Neil O’Brien, County Durham GP and chief medical officer, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: "Antibiotic prescribing rates in our region are among some of the highest in the UK.

"The more antibiotics we use the higher the risk of resistance, making these drugs less effective and infections harder, or even impossible to treat.

"It’s estimated that around 20 percent of all antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary, and if we fail to act now, antibiotic resistance will continue to rise, complicating many common medical procedures such as hip replacements, caesarean sections, and chemotherapy treatments."

Professor Ewan Maule, clinical director, medicines and pharmacy, North East and North Cumbria ICB said: “When used correctly, antimicrobials are invaluable for treating serious infections.

"However, common winter illnesses like coughs, colds, sore throats, and flu often improve without the need for antibiotics.

“Always follow the advice of healthcare professionals on whether you need antibiotics and take them exactly as prescribed. Never save them for future use or share them with others, make your friends and family aware of the importance of antibiotic resistance, and remember that COVID-19, flu, and other viruses don’t respond to antibiotics.

“We are continuing to work closely with our local hospital trusts and GP practices to reduce antibiotic prescriptions where appropriate, but we can’t do this alone, which is why we’re encouraging everyone to join us to help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.”