FAO: 700,000 people die annually due to excessive use of antibiotics

CAIRO - 14 November 2018: “A total of 700,000 people die annually due to the excessive use of antibiotics; thus, changing our lifestyle is a must,” Nabil Gangi, the regional vice head of Food and Agriculture organization (FAO), declared during the launch of World Antibiotic Awareness Week.

FAO set a universal plan to face this phenomenon which includes the following steps:
First: Raising awareness, boosting education and changing behaviors.

Second: Increasing the efficiency of observing data of types and forms of bacteria in humans, animals and environment, in addition to closely observing the rates of consumption and use of antibiotics.

Third: Decreasing the probability of infection among patients and in society.
Fourth: Using antibiotics for humans and animals wisely.

Fifth: Improving financial support and scientific research to guarantee the production of new more effective antibiotics.

According to a report published by FAO, further initiated activities have been carried out since September 2016 to harmonize AMR and antimicrobial use (AMU) surveillance and review AMR policies. As part of the FAO regional initiative on One Health, a new regional publication on AMR policy.

The AMR Policy Review and Development Framework is a regional guide for Asia-Pacific governments to review, update and develop policies to address AMR and AMU in animal production.