Nicosia: The Ministry of Health has emphasized the importance of the rational use of antibiotics, pointing out that this is a critical issue in Cyprus due to the high consumption of antibiotics and increased rates of antimicrobial resistance.
According to Cyprus News Agency, in a press release marking the annual European Antibiotic Awareness Day on November 18, under the theme ‘From Resistance to Resilience: health care workers leading the change’, the Ministry underscores the urgent need to use antibiotics sensibly and to strengthen the resilience of the health system.
Antimicrobial resistance, which refers to the ability of bacteria and other microorganisms to withstand the effects of antibiotics, poses a significant threat to public health. It complicates or even renders treatment of infections impossible, the Ministry notes.
The Ministry highlighted that within the European Union, thousands of deaths occur annually due to infections caused by resistant microbes. Although antibiotics are essential medications, their misuse or overuse significantly diminishes their effectiveness.
In Cyprus, there is an alarming level of antibiotic consumption and high rates of microbial resistance, the Ministry stresses.
The Ministry calls on the public to engage in responsible behavior, collaborate with the health system, and support preventive measures.