War in Ukraine worsens antibiotic resistance crisis – health ministry
Source: Interfax-Ukraine
The ongoing war in Ukraine has exacerbated the issue of antibiotic resistance, said Ukraine’s Minister of Health, Viktor Liashko, arguing microorganisms become ‘immune’ to antibiotics that are intended to eliminate them.
“Antibiotic resistance is a serious problem for Ukraine, and the war has made it even more severe,” said the minister.
He said the issue is particularly acute in frontline areas and during medical evacuations, where maintaining infection control measures is extremely difficult.
“Oftentimes, patients deal with multiple healthcare facilities before fully recovering. This increases the risk of cross-infection with hospital strains, which are even harder to treat than ordinary resistant strains,” he said.
Currently, Ukraine has 78 laboratories capable of conducting research into antibiotic resistance. However, the health system faces immense pressure due to the war, making effective management of this issue a significant challenge.
Earlier this month, Liashko warned that misuse and overuse of antibiotics could lead to dire consequences, with organ transplants in Ukraine becoming impossible in 10 years time.
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