Antibiotic Resistance as a Global Health Threat

Antibiotic resistance has emerged as one of the most serious threats to global public health. According to statistics, around 35,000 people in the European Union die annually from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens. By 2050, this number could exceed 39 million worldwide. This issue requires urgent action at an international level.

The main causes of antibiotic resistance are excessive use of these medications and globalization. Studies show that antibiotics are often prescribed without proper justification, leading to the development of resistant strains of bacteria. This is particularly common in outpatient settings, where patients, lacking a clear diagnosis, may be given antibiotics "just in case." This leads to bacteria becoming more resistant to medications, making infections increasingly difficult to treat.

One of the factors contributing to the spread of resistant pathogens is international mobility. Patients traveling to countries with high levels of resistance may bring dangerous pathogens back to their home countries. This is especially true for Southern European countries such as Greece, Portugal, and Turkey, as well as Asian countries like India. These regions have extremely high levels of resistance, making infections much more dangerous and harder to treat.

Another significant issue is the frequent prescription of antibiotics for respiratory infections, which are often caused by viruses. Antibiotics are ineffective in treating viral diseases such as the common cold or influenza, yet they continue to be prescribed, contributing to the growth of resistant strains. This is particularly true for children, who often receive antibiotics for mild viral infections.

Medical experts emphasize that infections like cystitis are also frequently treated with antibiotics, even when there is no clear need for them. This further demonstrates the excessive and unjustified use of antibiotics.

One of the main threats facing modern medicine is the loss of antibiotic effectiveness. If current trends continue, humanity may return to a time when simple infections, which are easily treated with antibiotics today, become fatal.

To avoid catastrophic consequences, it is necessary to raise awareness about the proper use of antibiotics, reduce their over-prescription, and take measures to control the spread of resistant microorganisms. International cooperation in the fight against resistance, improved diagnostics, and strict adherence to preventive measures are also crucial. Without serious steps to address this issue, we risk finding ourselves in a situation where the battle against infections becomes much more complicated and deadly.