Experts warn that post-COVID hygiene lethargy could put millions at risk of fatal infections due to antimicrobial resistance
PR93143
LONDON, Nov. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/--
The Global Hygiene Council (GHC) are calling on us to practice good hygiene,
such as handwashing, to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and reduce
the impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
With over 5 million deaths worldwide, COVID-19 has imposed a significant burden
on societies and healthcare systems around the world. As we continue to address
the impact of COVID-19, there is an even greater public health threat which
must be tackled, AMR. The importance of hygiene's role in breaking the chain of
infection has been demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, however GHC
experts fear that we are witnessing hygiene lethargy as we transition into a
post-COVID world, exacerbating the threat of AMR.
Last month the WHO launched its report on the state of the world's hand
hygiene, outlining the importance of hand hygiene in preventing infections and
reducing the burden of AMR through extending the life of antimicrobials (e.g.
antibiotics). The GHC welcomes this increased focus on hand hygiene and is
supporting this year's WAAW by focusing its activities on reducing the need for
antibiotics through encouraging improved hand hygiene to prevent the spread of
infections.
GHC spokesperson, Sabiha Essack, Professor from the School of Pharmaceutical
Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Comments,
"Responsible hygiene such as handwashing is an effective intervention for
preventing infections, helping to eliminate the need for antimicrobials (e.g.
antibiotics). Behaviours such as handwashing have the potential to reduce
disease transmission, as experienced with COVID-19 and should be encouraged
post-pandemic".
Unnecessary use of antibiotics has expedited the emergence and spread of
resistant bacteria. Common infections which are unsuccessfully treated due to
antimicrobial resistant bacteria attribute to over 700,000 deaths per year
worldwide and are projected to be associated with the deaths of 10 million
people per year by 2050. Adopting everyday hygiene practices can reduce the
risk of common infections by up to 50% and offers a framework for reducing
antibiotic prescribing, minimising opportunities for antibiotic resistant
bacteria to form.
With the occurrence of infectious disease outbreaks more likely in the years up
to 2030, we must adopt lasting hygiene behaviours to protect ourselves and
loved ones against the threat of emerging infectious diseases, reduce the
burden of AMR and future-proof antimicrobials, such as antibiotics, for years
to come.
For further information contact:
Gabriel.Jarvis@emotiveagency.com, +44-1444-811099
Source: Global Hygiene Council
本プレスリリースは発表元が入力した原稿をそのまま掲載しております。また、プレスリリースへのお問い合わせは発表元に直接お願いいたします。
このプレスリリースには、報道機関向けの情報があります。
プレス会員登録を行うと、広報担当者の連絡先や、イベント・記者会見の情報など、報道機関だけに公開する情報が閲覧できるようになります。