April 7th is marked as the World Health Day by World Health Organization (WHO). This day is celebrated worldwide to highlight the importance of health. Each year this day has different slogans and this years theme is antimicrobial or antibiotic resistance.
According to WHO, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is resistance of a micro organism to an antimicrobial medicine to which it was previously sensitive. In Pakistan, this problem is rising to an alarming situation as people are usually unaware of the harmful side effects of the antibiotics and often use these medicines without consulting any doctor. These antibiotics are sold at pharmacies without any prescription. Usage of these miracle drugs often causes the body to resist against the same drug leading to prolonged illness or even death. This problem can become serious if people are not educated about it as our country already faces many health issues. Different awareness campaigns should be launched not for just one specific day but throughout the year because after all health is wealth.
AISHA SAEED
Lahore
