Bernice Asante, a Nursing Officer at Tema Urban Hospital, has cautioned against the misuse of antibiotics, warning that taking the medicines when they are not needed can make bacterial infections harder to treat.
Speaking on antimicrobial resistance on Nyansapo Fie, Plan B FM’s family, relationship and lifestyle programme, hosted by Ohene Kinnah, she explained that germs exist in the environment and on everyday items, although some can cause infections when they enter the body. She noted that medicines such as antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.
She explained that antimicrobial resistance can develop when antibiotics are misused, particularly when people take them for illnesses caused by viruses, such as common colds. Other contributing factors include taking antibiotics without medical advice, failing to follow prescribed instructions and using leftover medicines.
She specifically cautioned parents against giving one child leftover medicine prescribed for a sibling, even when both children appear to have the same illness. She stressed that medication should be used according to the prescription given to the individual patient.
Bernice Asante also encouraged parents to practise infection prevention and control by teaching children proper handwashing, monitoring their hygiene and ensuring that fruits and personal items such as bags are kept clean. She urged the public to use antibiotics responsibly and avoid unnecessary medication to help address antimicrobial resistance.
By: Lydia Owusu
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