Weqaya Raises Awareness on Antimicrobial Resistance
The Mecca branch of the National Center for Prevention and Control of Pest and Animal Disease, Weqaya, hosted a seminar. It was part of the World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week and involved the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and the Directorate of Health Affairs.
Educational Lectures on One Health and Microbial Resistance
The seminar included scientific lectures on the One Health approach, microbial resistance, and ways to combat it . It also emphasized the correct use of antimicrobials and encouraged health and veterinary practitioners to adopt best treatment practices.
Raising Community Awareness
The seminar aimed to increase community awareness about the spread of antimicrobial resistance. It stressed the importance of responsible antimicrobial usage to prevent further resistance development.
Impact of Misuse of Antimicrobials
Fouad Al-Hamrani, Director of Animal Health at Waqaa in Mecca, highlighted the negative impact of antimicrobial overuse on treating human and animal diseases. Misuse and overuse have accelerated microbial resistance, leading to the spread of resistant microbes in animals and potentially to humans, as well as environmental contamination. It affects the growth of plants.
Understanding Microbial Resistance
Al-Hamrani explained that microbial resistance is the ability of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites to survive and multiply despite antimicrobial treatment. This resistance poses a significant challenge to public health and requires informed and cautious use of antimicrobials.
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