Issue 6 Preparedness for Evidence Based Research on Antibiotic Resistance and Stewardship Program
Message from Editor in Chief
World Health Organization (WHO) identified 32 antibiotics in clinical development in 2019, which addressed the list of priority pathogens, of which only six were classified as innovative. Antibiotic shortages are affecting countries of all levels of development and especially in healthcare systems. Antibiotics are becoming increasingly ineffective as drug resistance spreads globally leading to more difficult to treat infections and death. Newer agents are urgently needed for example, to treat carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacterial infections as identified in the WHO priority pathogen list. However, if people do not change the way antibiotics are used now, these new antibiotics will suffer the same fate as the current ones and become ineffective. Without effective tools for the prevention and adequate treatment of drug-resistant infections and improved access to existing and new quality-assured antimicrobials, the number of people for whom treatment is failing or who die of infections will increase. The global action plan sets out five strategic objectives including 1) to improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance; 2) to strengthen knowledge through surveillance and research; 3) to reduce the incidence of infection; 4) to optimize the use of antimicrobial agents; 5) develop the economic case for sustainable investment that takes account of the needs of all countries, and increase investment in new medicines, diagnostic tools, vaccines and other interventions.
This issue highlights the importance of antibiotic resistance and stewardship program. The issue includes interview of Dr. Shazia Jamshaid, renowned public health expert and researcher suggesting effective antibiotic stewardship model for developing countries. Facts on antibiotic resistance and overview of global strategies for improving it have been included in the issue. Articles on alternatives for antibiotics and Islamic prospective for controlling infectious diseases are also part of this issue. Moreover, real stories highlighting the factors posing threats to antibiotic resistance have also been included.
Contents of Issue
Researcher of the Issue Dr. Shazia Jamshaid
Truths about Antimicrobial Resistance
Antibiotic Resistance & Infection Control
WHO AWaRE Classification of Antibiotic
Global Overview of Anti-Microbial Resistance
Antibiotic Stewardship Program: A way Forward
Antibiotic Resistance in Pakistan: Call for Action
Overuse of Antibiotics in Children: A Public Health Threat
Herbal Medicines alternative to Antibiotics
Control of Infectious Diseases: Islamic vs. Scientific Prospect
Stories