The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has stepped up its battle against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as an infectious diseases pharmacist visiting from Canada is here for a training and public engagement drive to strengthen the country’s defences against drug-resistant superbugs.
As pharmacist Mark McIntyre was welcomed on Monday in the QEH boardroom, the hospital’s infectious disease expert, Dr Corey Forde, cited research from the Global Health Research Group on Antimicrobial Resistance predicting that 39 million deaths could occur between 2025 and 2050 if the issue is not addressed.
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to medicines used to treat them, leading to infectious diseases being harder to treat and more likely to spread, threatening severe illness and death.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 1.27 million deaths globally in 2019 were directly attributed to antimicrobial resistance, with approximately 4.95 million deaths associated with the problem overall.
The burden of the problem is expected to be greatest in low- and middle-income countries and in health systems that already face challenges, Dr Forde noted.
The infectious disease specialist highlighted Barbados’ role on the international stage in addressing the issue, noting its partnership with Malta to table a political declaration on antimicrobial resistance during the 79th United Nations General Assembly: “Our own prime minister has led the global stage on this matter. For Barbados and the rest of the world and this was not only by speeches, but by deeds locally.”
Through support from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the island has expanded its capacity as a regional centre of excellence to assist other Eastern Caribbean states. He also pointed to a $3 million government investment in new microbiology equipment, which allows the hospital to identify infectious organisms faster and begin treatment sooner.
QEH staff have also received training in molecular technology and whole genome sequencing, strengthening the hospital’s ability to track and understand emerging infections.
Among the latest developments is the creation of Barbados’ first antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist post, held by pharmacist Deonne Jacobs, as part of efforts to manage antibiotic use more carefully.
Dr Forde said: “We have a small platform in a big world of changing bugs with costly antibiotics but working together with other persons will make a difference.”
Antimicrobial stewardship offers an opportunity for global collaboration, McIntyre said. “Antimicrobial stewardship has the opportunity to bridge cultural boundaries, bridge boundaries within states and between states, and also just figure out how to do healthcare in a more sustainable, more equitable, and more impactful way.”
QEH Chief Executive Officer Neil Clark also welcomed the gathering of medical practitioners and spoke of the seriousness of AMR: “Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most serious health challenges facing the world today. It threatens our ability to treat infections safely and effectively. And it places patients, health systems, and economies at risk,” noting that the hospital plays a critical role in addressing it.
“Over the next two weeks, this engagement provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our current practices, identify gaps, and strengthen our stewardship approach so that we protect the effectiveness of these lifesaving medicines for the future generations.”
Minister of Health Senator Lisa Cummins also attended the session, noting that she is currently undertaking a listening tour across the health system after assuming the role four weeks ago.
Sen Cummins said that she not only has big shoes to fill as the prime minister championed the AMR campaign, but also she wants “to bring the commitment”, have a “dedicated centre in partnership with the Best-dos Santos Lab located here in Barbados” and finally “to deepen, strengthen, and further expand the relationship with partners… in the region and beyond”.
Activities during the week will also include public lectures and community engagement events.
Dr Forde urged the public to attend a session at the Daphne Joseph-Hackett Theatre in Queen’s Park on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., where experts will discuss antimicrobial resistance and ways to prevent it.
He also reminded people that simple actions can help slow the spread of resistance, including washing hands regularly, avoiding the use of antibiotics for illnesses such as flu, and completing antibiotic courses when prescribed. (LE)
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