AHF: Misuse of Antibiotics Endangers Millions Worldwide
September 18 2024 - 6:28PM
Business Wire
Following a recent study published in The Lancet predicting more
than 39 million deaths between now and 2050 due to
antibiotic-resistant infections, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)
cautions healthcare institutions and providers worldwide against
misusing antibiotics, particularly doxycycline.
“The misuse of antibiotics, including doxycycline, by healthcare
providers contributes to the growing global AMR [antimicrobial
resistance] health crisis, where bacteria evolve to become
resistant to treatments, rendering them ineffective,” said AHF
Senior Global Medical Director Dr. Adele Schwartz Benzaken. “Some
key steps to combating AMR include strictly adhering to clinical
guidelines, prescribing antibiotics only when necessary, and
considering alternative treatments for conditions that do not
require them. Patients must also take antibiotics at the correct
time and with the appropriate dose. Resistant bacterial infections
can spread through populations and are a public health threat.”
AMR for sexually transmitted infections, particularly gonorrhea,
is of increasing concern because misusing antibiotics can make
conditions harder to treat. Incomplete treatments may suppress, but
not eradicate, infections. This delays appropriate treatment and
contributes to the spread of resistant strains. Overusing
doxycycline in post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) also risks
resistance, impacting prevention efforts in high-risk
populations.
AHF advocates for the responsible use of all antibiotics.
Additionally, consistent condom use is effective in reducing the
risk of STIs and helps reduce the need for the excessive use of
antibiotics to treat them.
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS
organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to
over 2 million clients in 47 countries worldwide in the US, Africa,
the Americas, the Asia/Pacific Region, and Europe. To learn more
about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org, find us on
Facebook: www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter:
@aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240918762977/en/
U.S. MEDIA CONTACT: Ged Kenslea Senior Director,
Communications, AHF +1 323 308 1833 work +1.323.791.5526 mobile
gedk@aidshealth.org
Denys Nazarov Director of Global Policy &
Communications, AHF +1.323.308.1829 denys.nazarov@ahf.org