Antibiotics Awareness Week, observed from November 18-24, highlights the importance of the proper use of antibiotics (antimicrobial drugs). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 50% of antibiotic use worldwide is inappropriate, contributing to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. As a result, hundreds of thousands of people lose their lives to diseases caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. By 2050, this number is expected to reach nearly ten million annually.
The misuse of antibiotics destroys the natural gut flora, which harms the digestive system, damages the immune system, and increases the risk of other diseases. In particular, inappropriate use of antibiotics in children can lead to various health problems, such as digestive disorders, diabetes, and liver or kidney failure.
As the Public Health Committee, we organized a training session titled "The Dangers of Excessive Antibiotic Use" to educate medical students and encourage their involvement in addressing this issue. The training was conducted by infectious disease specialist Dr. Amina Ismikhova, who provided detailed insights into the principles of antibacterial drugs and their effects on the human body. The session also included presentations of images and videos illustrating the harms of excessive antibiotic use and the challenges people face as a result.
In the second part of the event, students were divided into groups to prepare and present projects on two key topics: "The Role of Parents in Antibiotic Use" and "The Role of Students in Raising Awareness." At the end of the event, the team with the best project presentation was awarded a certificate.
"Remember, when used correctly, antibiotics can save lives, but when misused, they can lead to loss of life."
Sincerely,
Aytaj Yusifli
Assistant of the Public Health Committee
