WHPHA warns on misuse of antibiotics

Drug-resistant infections are becoming harder and more expensive to treat at the Mount Hagen Provincial Specialist Hospital, due to the misuse of antibiotics, prompting a stern warning from the Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority [WHPHA].

The WHPHA says many people are taking antibiotics without medical advice, failing to complete their prescribed treatment, or buying medicines from informal markets. These practices are allowing harmful bacteria to become resistant to life-saving drugs, putting more lives at risk.

Dr Zure Kombati, laboratory manager of the WHPHA said antimicrobial resistance [AMR] is one of the biggest public health threats facing Papua New Guinea and the world.

"When bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, common infections become more difficult to treat, leading to treatment failure, longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, serious complications, and preventable deaths.

"Antibiotics should only be taken under the guidance of qualified health professionals, and patients must always complete the full course of treatment, even if they begin to feel better," Dr Kombati said.

WHPHA Chief Executive Officer Dr Jonah Kurubi said the problem is being worsened by the unregulated sale of antibiotics outside licensed health facilities.

"Many patients arrive at the hospital after already taking antibiotics purchased from informal markets without proper medical assessment, increasing the spread of drug-resistant bacteria", Dr Kurubi said.

He's reminded health workers that antibiotics should not be prescribed for viral illnesses such as the common cold or influenza because these medicines do not work against viruses.

The two doctors stressed that stronger antimicrobial management, improved laboratory testing, infection prevention, and public awareness are essential to preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations.

Dr Kurubi higlighted that the Mt Hagen Provincial Specialist Hospital continues to reinforce its microbiology laboratory through support from the Fleming Fund Country Grant, improving its ability to detect drug-resistant infections and guide the correct use of antibiotics