ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE (AMR) is on the rise, posing significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide and is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as among the top 10 global health crises.
Experts around the world point out that without constant awareness of responsible antibiotic use, by 2050, antibiotic-resistant infections could cause 10 million deaths a year.
Overuse, improper use, and over-prescription of antibiotics have exacerbated the issue, leading to longer and more severe illnesses, increased mortality rates, and higher healthcare costs.
Reckitt Malaysia recently convened the inaugural Global Respiratory Infection Partnership (GRIP) Summit to address the escalating concern of antimicrobial resistance in Southeast Asia.
The event brought together international organisations, research institutions, healthcare authorities and healthcare professionals from
across multiple countries to collaborate on reducing AMR and promoting appropriate use of antibiotics in upper respiratory tract Infections (URTI) and sore throat management.
The summit, titled "Optimising Patient Care in the Evolving Antibiotic Landscape", aimed to address the profound challenges posed by URTIs, one of the leading causes of antibiotic overuse, and subsequent resistance within the community.
Southeast Asia, in particular, has witnessed a surge in cases in recent years, making it imperative to address this issue collectively.
During the summit, it was highlighted that in Malaysia alone, each year, over RM150 million is being spent in hospitals to treat resistant infections.
Manipal International University Alumni Association president, Dr Koh Kar Chai, says the responsible use of antibiotics is paramount in preserving their effectiveness.
"This multidisciplinary collaboration within the sector is a great way to drive meaningful change in healthcare systems locally, ensuring that antibiotics remain effective tools in the fight against infections."
The summit managed to provide perspectives from local professionals and global GRIP experts on attitudes and behaviours toward antibiotic use, even noting that the majority of young adults aged 18 to 34 are more likely to use antibiotics for URTI incorrectly, believing that antibiotics are effective for sore throats (58 per cent), can kill viruses (55 per cent) and can relieve symptoms (65 per cent).
Reckitt Benckiser global medical marketing director Adrian Shephard, adds that GRIP understands the urgent need for alternative treatments for respiratory infections; common colds, influenza, sore throats and coughs.
"To address this, GRIP is actively engaged in research and collaboration to identify and develop therapies that can effectively alleviate symptoms in order to encourage better sore throat management, which only requires symptomatic relief instead of antibiotics," he says.
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