With the goal of raising public awareness about the proper use of antibiotics and combating antimicrobial resistance, the Cyprus Society of Internal Medicine, the Cyprus Paediatric Society, and the Cyprus Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infections are organising an Awareness and Information Campaign under the slogan: “Antibiotics: Protect Yourself with Your Doctor’s Advice.”
The launch of the Awareness Campaign, which will run from 6 to 13 December 2024, was announced at a press conference held at the Journalist House on Thursday, 5 December 2024.
The Campaign is under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and the Cyprus Medical Association and is organised, as every year, with the generous support of the pharmaceutical company Medochemie.
For several years, Cyprus has ranked among the top in Europe regarding antibiotic consumption. Doctors warn that the indiscriminate use of antibiotics can lead not only to treatment failure but also to long-term health problems. The World Health Organisation has characterised the misuse of antibiotics as a “silent pandemic” and one of the greatest threats to public health.
Minister of Health issues warning
In his message, Minister of Health Michalis Damianou stated that in the European Union in 2020, antimicrobial resistance caused by the misuse of antibiotics was responsible for 35,000 deaths. He warned that if immediate and effective measures are not taken, antimicrobial resistance is projected to cause more deaths than cancer by 2050. For this reason, Mr Damianou said, the Ministry of Health recognises antimicrobial resistance as a top priority and acknowledges the need for coordinated action. The Ministry is already in the process of drafting and implementing a comprehensive National Action Plan in collaboration with other relevant bodies to address antimicrobial resistance and hospital-acquired infections, within the framework of the “One Health” approach.
Experts stress the severity of the issue
In his remarks, the President of the Cyprus Medical Association, Dr Petros Agathangelou, emphasised that the Awareness and Sensitisation Campaign for the proper use of antibiotics is a pivotal factor in changing attitudes and behaviours. He highlighted that antimicrobial resistance is responsible for 1.27 million deaths annually worldwide. The initiative, undertaken by the Cyprus Society of Internal Medicine, the Cyprus Paediatric Society, and the Cyprus Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infections, along with Medochemie, he noted, marks a milestone in the collective effort to safeguard public health.
Dr Andreas Stylianou, President of the Cyprus Society of Internal Medicine, sounded the alarm, pointing out that Cyprus and Greece have the highest antibiotic consumption and microbial resistance levels in Europe. He noted that infections caused by resistant microbes can lead to severe health complications, even death, and prolong hospital stays, thereby increasing healthcare costs.
Dr Michalis Anastasiades, President of the Cyprus Paediatric Society, highlighted the particularly serious implications of inappropriate antibiotic use for young children, as their developing bodies are more vulnerable. Any misguided therapeutic intervention, he warned, could have long-term consequences. Antibiotics, he stressed, should only be administered when there is confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infection.
Dr George Petrikkos, President of the Cyprus Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infections, underlined that excessive and indiscriminate use of antibiotics has led to a rapid increase in antimicrobial resistance, which today constitutes one of the greatest threats to public health and human welfare. He noted that in 2019, Cyprus recorded 140 deaths attributed to antimicrobial resistance and 547 related deaths.
Constantinos Koudounas, Business Unit Manager of Medochemie, stated that the company, as a pioneer in the pharmaceutical industry, is committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Cyprus. Alongside scientific organisations, Mr Koudounas called on everyone to join this effort, emphasising Medochemie’s clear commitment to promoting the proper use of antibiotics and creating a healthier future for all.
Recommendations for the public:
- Avoid the indiscriminate use of antibiotics.
- Take antibiotics only with a doctor’s prescription.
- Complete the prescribed treatment as directed by your doctor.
- Do not consume antibiotics prescribed for others or leftover from previous treatments.
Awareness campaign activities
The Campaign includes the broadcast of an educational video on media platforms and articles in print and digital media aimed at raising public awareness about the dangers of antibiotic misuse, both for individual and public health. The informational efforts are also strengthened by targeted media interventions by members of the Cyprus Society of Internal Medicine, the Cyprus Paediatric Society, and the Cyprus Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infections.
Watch the informational video below:
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Original video source: Avaton communications
