The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new tool called AWaRe to strengthen its global campaign against antibiotic resistance. The aim is to boost the use of antibiotics in the Access group by 60%, which comprises inexpensive, ‘narrow-spectrum’ drugs that target a specific microorganism, thereby lowering the risk of resistance. Moreover, it seeks to make the use of antibiotics safer by providing essential usage guidelines to healthcare workers and policy-makers.
A Glimpse into AWaRe
Designed by WHO’s Essential Medicines List, the AWaRe application is an innovative solution to manage rising antibiotic resistance. It categorizes antibiotics into three groups namely Access, Watch, and Reserve. ‘Access’ includes antibiotics used for treating common and highly dangerous infections. ‘Watch’ classifies those antibiotics that should be readily available in the healthcare system. Finally, ‘Reserve’ consists of antibiotics that should be judiciously used or kept as a final resort.
The Importance of AWaRe in Antibiotic Usage
AWaRe simplifies the process of choosing the correct antibiotic at the right time, by grouping antibiotics into three distinct categories and providing their usage guidelines. This makes it a valuable resource for policy-makers and health workers, ensuring them a better grip on antibiotic prescription. Additionally, it helps protect endangered antibiotics from overuse or misuse.
Surge in Antimicrobial Resistance
Antimicrobial resistance is growing into an invisible pandemic, with certain infections becoming untreatable by all classes of antibiotics. Global estimates suggest this could potentially cause 50 million deaths worldwide and 10 million in India by 2050. This alarming state of affairs has emerged from inappropriate usage of antibiotics in more than half the countries, which is contributing to the rise in antimicrobial resistance.
Concerning Rise in Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria
The rise in resistant gram-negative bacteria like Acinetobacter, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae is a concerning trend. These bacteria are often found in hospitalized patients, causing infections such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections, and meningitis.
National Plans to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance
Despite the establishment of national plans to tackle antimicrobial resistance in over 100 countries, only about one fifth of these have been funded and implemented. Antibiotic resistance not only increases health expenditure but also makes the accessibility and affordability of medicines challenging.
Understanding Gram-Negative Bacteria
Bacteria are classified into two groups – Gram-positive or Gram-negative – depending on their ability to retain a specific stain color. Gram-negative bacteria appear pinkish or red while Gram-positive ones retain a purple-colored stain. Gram-negative bacteria, which include Escherichia coli, cause foodborne diseases and waterborne pathogens like Vibrio cholerae, responsible for cholera. They can also cause respiratory infections and sexually transmitted diseases.
Overview of Facts
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| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Antimicrobial Resistance Deaths (projected by 2050) | 50 million worldwide, 10 million in India |
| Gram-negative bacteria examples | Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae |
| Conditions caused by Gram-negative bacteria | Foodborne diseases, cholera, pneumonia, STDs |
| National Plans against Antimicrobial Resistance | Implemented in one fifth of over 100 countries |
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