KUWAIT CITY, Nov 21: The symposium, held in collaboration between the World Health Organization office in Kuwait and the Ministry of Health to mark World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, emphasized the risks associated with the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, particularly antibiotics, reports Al-Rai daily. 

Dr. Al-Mundhir Al-Hasawi, the Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Affairs at the Ministry of Health, underscored the significance of collaborative efforts among relevant stakeholders to prevent antibiotic resistance and misuse, emphasizing the need to promote the optimal use of these medications.

Dr. Al-Hasawi emphasized that the symposium serves as more than a health event; it functions as a platform bringing together experts to support programs overseeing antibiotic use within healthcare facilities in Kuwait. The objective is to collaborate in addressing issues related to the misuse and overuse of antibiotics and working towards better health outcomes for Kuwait.

Highlighting the global impact of antibiotic resistance, Dr. Al-Hasawi noted that the World Health Organization ranks it among the top 10 threats to human health, causing 1.2 million deaths worldwide, surpassing mortality rates from malaria, AIDS, and tuberculosis. Kuwait has prioritized addressing antibiotic resistance by establishing higher committees dedicated to the issue and representing it at the national level for infection prevention and sterilization management.

Dr. Al-Hasawi emphasized that the responsibility for the optimal use of antibiotics extends beyond decision-makers; it is a collective responsibility.

Dr. Abeer Omar, the Head of the Department of Statistical Studies and Analysis in the Infection Prevention Department at the Ministry of Health and the National Liaison Officer for Antibiotic Resistance, urged addressing the challenge of antimicrobial resistance that poses a threat to humans, animals, and plants.

Dr. Asad Hafeez, the representative of the World Health Organization in Kuwait, stressed the importance of multisectoral cooperation to implement antimicrobial stewardship. He highlighted that antimicrobial resistance is a threat to humans, animals, plants, and the environment.

Dr. Hafeez called for preventive measures against antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing the need for cooperation to protect future generations. The event also aims to underscore the significance of the Ministry's national action plan and encourage healthcare professionals to prescribe antibiotics judiciously, considering the associated risks of over-prescription.