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In a recent press conference, The Pathological Society of Cyprus highlighted the alarming statistic that 1 in 2 citizens annually take antibiotics, leading to Cyprus outpacing other European countries in antibiotic consumption.
President Andreas Stylianou emphasized the rise of antibiotic-resistant microbes, urging immediate action to prevent a projected annual death toll of 10 million people worldwide by 2050.
Stylianou also exposed misconceptions among citizens, with 80% believing antibiotics combat viruses.
The consequences of self-medication and inappropriate antibiotic use were stressed, including the development of resistant germs causing severe complications, increased hospital stays, and soaring healthcare costs.
Georgios Petrikkos, President of the Cyprus Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infections, added that antibiotic misuse in livestock, agriculture, and fish farming exacerbates the problem.
Cyprus, unfortunately, leads in antibiotic consumption within Europe, posing a significant threat to public health.
The 2022 Special Eurobarometer on antimicrobial resistance revealed a lack of awareness about antibiotics in the EU, emphasizing the need for enhanced communication to address this critical issue.
Petrikkos concluded by emphasizing the serious side effects of antibiotics, urging against their casual use and promoting awareness to safeguard individual and public health.
[With information sourced from CNA]
