PSGH Urges Public to Stop Antibiotic Misuse


The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has urged Ghanaians to avoid using antibiotics for common conditions such as flu, colds, coughs, and diarrhea, emphasizing the dangers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Speaking at a press conference during the 2024 World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW), Pharm. Dr. Samuel Kow Donkoh, PSGH President, warned against self-medication with antibiotics and stressed the importance of appropriate treatment and testing.


Dr. Donkoh noted that flu and colds are caused by viruses and only require over-the-counter medications for symptom relief, while most cases of coughs and sore throats can be managed with lozenges. Diarrheal diseases, particularly in children, are best treated with oral rehydration salts (ORS) and zinc tablets unless severe, in which case hospitalization is needed.


He also emphasized testing for malaria before taking antimalarials, urging the public to consult pharmacists for guidance. "Antimicrobial resistance threatens the effectiveness of treatments, prolongs illnesses, increases mortality, and raises healthcare costs," he said. Globally, AMR could claim up to 10 million lives annually by 2050 if unchecked.


Contributing factors include misuse of antimicrobials, inadequate infection prevention, and poor sanitation. Dr. Donkoh highlighted the need for collective action through education, advocacy, and immediate measures to combat AMR under this year’s WAAW theme: Educate. Advocate. Act Now.


The PSGH reaffirmed its commitment to combating AMR through pharmacist training, community engagement, and partnerships with government and international organizations. Dr. Donkoh concluded by calling for a united effort to safeguard the effectiveness of antimicrobials and protect future generations.




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Chieftaincy Crisis: Ngleshie Alata Chiefs Reject Imposed Mantse

Image
The Ngleshie Alata Traditional Council has strongly condemned the recent induction of Prince Asharku-Bruce Quaye, also known as Oblempong Wetse Kojo II, as the Ngleshie Alata Mantse. Speaking on behalf of the council, Nii Ofei III, Divisional Chief of Kokrobitey, alleged that the induction was carried out unlawfully by the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs without the knowledge or involvement of the traditional council. According to Nii Ofei III, the process of installing a chief follows clear constitutional and customary guidelines, which were blatantly disregarded in this case. He accused the registrar of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs and its president, Oboade Notse King Professor Odaifio Welentsi III, of collaborating to impose Prince Asharku-Bruce Quaye on the traditional council. “This induction was conducted in secrecy. We only became aware of it after a letter circulated about a meeting between the Greater Accra Regional Minister and the Regional House of Chief...
Read more

Royal Jamong Family Raises Alarm Over Alleged Political Interference in Bunkpurugu Chieftaincy Dispute

Image
The Royal Jamong Family of Bunkpurugu has expressed deep concern over what it describes as political interference by Vice President Dr. Mahamud Bawumia and the NPP parliamentary candidate for Bunkpurugu, Mr. Solomon N. Boar, in the ongoing chieftaincy dispute surrounding the Bunkpurugu skin. In a strongly-worded statement, the family accused the two politicians of exerting undue pressure on the National House of Chiefs, a move that they believe undermines the integrity of the chieftaincy institution. The family pointed to recent comments made by Abuba, who claimed that his uncle, Vice President Bawumia, had promised to ensure that a pending judgment in the chieftaincy case would be delayed indefinitely. This, the Royal Jamong Family warned, is a "sad development and a recipe for disaster." The family has also documented Mr. Boar's activities, including a recent trip to Accra with Abuba to meet the Vice President. This has led the family to question the motivations behind ...
Read more

Electrochem’s Ada Salt Deal in Jeopardy

Image
The 15-year mining lease agreements for Electrochem Ghana Limited, a private salt mining company to mine salt on the Ada Songhor Lagoon appears to be in jeopardy with the withdrawal of consent to the agreement by the allodia owners of the lagoon.  The latest blow to Electrochem which is owned by Daniel McKorley, Chief Executive Officer of the McDan Group of Companies is the withdrawal of consent by Nene Korley IV who is the Divisional Chief and Clan-head of the Tekperbiawe Clan of the Ada Traditional Area.  In a letter written to Mr. McKorley through his lawyers A-F Amissah & Wood Solicitors and Barristers Consultants dated 11th February 2025 and titled, “Letter of Withdrawal of Consent to Electrochem’s Dealing With the Songor Lagoon”, Nene Korley IV cited thuggery, insecurity in Ada, violation of rights of the indigenes and locals among others as the reasons for his withdrawal of consent to the company’s dealings with the Songor lagoon. The letter which was copied NENE AB...
Read more