Utilization Of Antibiotics In Rural Communities Of Sub- Saharan Africa: Challenges And Resistances

Abstract

In the last seven decades, antibiotics have greatly influenced the remarkable advancement in world health by becoming the standard therapy for infectious diseases. Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is a significant worldwide human health issue, having notably negative effects in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). What were once fatal illnesses are now beaten by millions of people. But since there are only so many antibiotics available, misusing them has resulted in antibiotic resistance and decreased efficacy within a few years after the release of every lifesaving antibiotic. The WHO claims that the threat of antibiotic resistance to global health and development. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) must be attained urgently through multi-sectoral approach.

One of the ten leading worldwide public health hazards to civilization, according to WHO, is ABR. The major causes of the emergence of infections that are resistant to antibiotics are their improper usage and excessive use. The spread of bacteria, some of which may be antibiotic-resistant, is encouraged by a lack of safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and effective infection control and prevention measures. Antibiotic resistance is as significant a threat to international security, food and nutrition security, and industrialization, according to the WHO, as terrorist attacks and global warming. ABR has a huge cost to the economy. Long-term disease not only increases the risk of mortality and incapacity but also lengthens hospital stay, necessitates the use of more expensive medications, and puts a strain on the finances of those affected. In the absence of powerful antibiotics, contemporary medicine's ability to cure infections, including those that arise following extensive surgeries and invasive procedures, would be compromised. Due to the lack of adequate mass surveillance, it is difficult to determine the scope of the ABR issue in LMICs, although considerable progress has been made in recent years since the WHO Global Antibiotic Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) initiative was launched in 2015. One of the main factors influencing the choice of ABR in LMICs is the widespread and frequently improper use of antibiotics in people, animals, and crops. This, combined with the insufficient control of pharmacological byproducts at the centers of manufacturing, must be quickly addressed. ABR spreads more quickly in LMICs because a number of factors including poor sanitation and hygiene insufficient exposure to sufficient health facilities, and a lack of legislation. The aim is to review to predisposing factors that influence the use of antibiotics aimed at informing policy decision on antibiotics use.