Antimicrobial Resistance Poses Serious Public Health Threat, Experts Warn
A public health radio discussion on radio 1 with Miss. Rahina Shaibu, the host, on Wednesday 4 February, 2026, has drawn attention to the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), warning that the misuse and overuse of antibiotics could render common infections increasingly difficult and costly to treat.
During the programme, Dr. Pharm Ansong Boakye a public health expert explained that antimicrobial resistance occurs when disease-causing organisms such as bacteria and viruses develop the ability to withstand medicines designed to eliminate them. The phenomenon, the expert noted, poses a serious risk to public health and threatens to undermine decades of medical progress.
The discussion identified self-medication, failure to complete prescribed antibiotic courses, and the widespread sale of antibiotics without prescription as key drivers of AMR in Ghana. The use of antibiotics in livestock, poultry, and aquaculture was also cited as a significant contributor to the growing resistance problem.
Pharm Rebecca K. Osei a Pharmacist from the Kibi government hospital cautioned that antimicrobial resistance leads to prolonged illnesses, longer hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and, in severe cases, preventable deaths. According to the expert, infections that were once easily treatable could become life-threatening if current trends persist.
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Emphasis was placed on the role of healthcare professionals in curbing the spread of AMR through proper diagnosis, laboratory testing, and responsible prescription and dispensing of antibiotics. Pharmacists and licensed chemical sellers were urged to adhere strictly to regulations governing the sale of antimicrobial medicines.
She further highlighted the impact of poor sanitation, environmental contamination, and weak infection prevention measures on the spread of resistant organisms. Participants stressed the need for improved hygiene practices and stronger waste management systems.
Listeners were advised to avoid sharing antibiotics, refrain from using leftover medicines, and always seek professional medical advice. The discussion also underscored the importance of sustained public education, with community leaders, schools, religious institutions, and the media identified as key stakeholders in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
The programme concluded with a call for coordinated action involving individuals, health institutions, regulatory bodies, and policymakers to address the AMR challenge and protect public health.
Published by: Solomon Kwabena Nana-Ansah
