In a bid to tackle the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Focus FM 94.3 hosted a pivotal radio talk show program titled “Focus Health” on February 10, 2024. Renowned experts from diverse fields converged to shed light on the causes, effects, and preventive measures of AMR, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to combat this pressing global health challenge.
The program, moderated by Miss Mabel Enchill, featured a distinguished panel of experts, each lending their expertise to the discourse. Dr. Emmanuel Opoku, a seasoned veterinarian, stressed the significance of responsible antibiotic usage in veterinary medicine, warning against the repercussions of antibiotic misuse in animals.
From the medical realm, Miss Korkor Barimah-Djimatey, representing the Medical Student’s Association at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), provided insights into how AMR affects human health. She elucidated the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in managing AMR-related cases and underscored the need for concerted efforts to curb the spread of resistant pathogens.
Complementing the discussion, Peter Bekoe Osei, Health Officer of the Pharmacy Student’s Association at KNUST, shared his expertise in pharmaceutical matters, throwing adequate light on inappropriate antibiotic prescribing practices and advocating for robust awareness campaigns to tackle AMR.
Throughout the program, critical aspects of AMR were addressed, including its multifactorial nature, economic ramifications, and the imperative for preventive measures. The panelists’ collective expertise painted a comprehensive picture of the AMR landscape, urging stakeholders to prioritize responsible antibiotic use. As the world grapples with the AMR crisis, initiatives like these serve as catalysts for informed action, driving towards a future where antibiotics remain effective tools in combating infectious diseases.