who medicines strategy - libdoc.who.int - World Health Organization

WHO MEDICINES STRATEGY 2004-2007 | 126EO 7.8Practical approaches to containantimicrobial resistance developedbased on the WHO Global Strategyto Contain Antimicrobial Resistance.RationaleIrrational use of antimicrobials, including theiruse in agriculture, is one of the major driversof increasing antimicrobial resistance. As aresult, some infections are now untreatable withfirst-line antimicrobials in some parts of theworld. Surveys have revealed that 25%-75%of antibiotic prescriptions in teaching hospitalsin both developed and developing countriesare inappropriate. 64 In addition, as many as30%-60% of patients in primary health carecentres receive antibiotics (perhaps twice what isclinically needed). 65 Surveys have also revealedthat most episodes of illness are self-medicatedand that most people purchase incompletecourses of medication, including antibiotics, and/or do not adhere to the correct dosing regimes.ProgressWHO has recognized antimicrobial resistance tobe a problem of increasing public health concernand passed a number of resolutions encouragingMember States to take measures to containantimicrobial resistance 66 . The WHO GlobalStrategy to Contain Antimicrobial Resistanceand other supporting documents were publishedin 2001 67 and a follow-up meeting on how toimplement the Global Strategy held in 2002. EDMhas provided technical assistance in developingnational plans to contain antimicrobial resistancein six countries and three regions. A numberof pilot projects have been started in India andSouth Africa involving the development of amethodology for the linked surveillance ofantimicrobial use and resistance.