Sana'a: The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Sana'a University, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Environment, organized the First National Scientific Day on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) under the theme, 'Antimicrobial Resistance: From Awareness to Action.'
According to Yemen News Agency, Minister of Health and Environment Dr. Ali Shaiban praised the initiative for bringing together experts, specialists, and healthcare professionals to discuss challenges and practical solutions to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. He noted that the event forms part of national efforts to promote the rational use of antibiotics and combat microbial resistance.
Dr. Shaiban warned against the dangers of the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, stressing that misuse poses serious health risks, most notably the emergence of drug-resistant 'superbugs,' which could make even common infections difficult to treat in the future. He explained that the overuse and misuse of antibiotics cause bacteria to evolve resistance to treatments used against infections, while also destroying beneficial gut bacteria, weakening immunity and leading to various health problems.
The minister emphasized the importance of raising physicians' awareness regarding appropriate antibiotic use and ensuring that such medications are prescribed only when necessary and after laboratory testing confirms the presence and type of bacterial infection.
For his part, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Dr. Mohammed Al-Shahari reviewed the risks associated with excessive antibiotic use and highlighted the role of physicians in limiting unnecessary prescriptions through proper laboratory diagnosis. He stressed the need to enhance awareness among healthcare workers, physicians, pharmacists, and laboratory specialists of the latest scientific evidence on managing resistant microbes, while developing recommendations and commitments that support society and encourage the rational use of antibiotics in healthcare facilities.
Scientific sessions and lectures addressed the growing threat of bacterial resistance, its direct impact on surgical procedures and intensive care services. Participants also reviewed the status of antimicrobial resistance in Yemen, emerging causes, clinical consequences of treatment failure, and findings from a cross-sectional study evaluating microbial resistance patterns in Sana'a.
The sessions further highlighted adherence to national and international standards for antibiotic prescribing, ways to avoid common prescription errors, clinical interpretation of laboratory results, and the need to intensify public awareness campaigns to reduce self-medication and excessive antibiotic use. Discussions also focused on promoting antimicrobial stewardship, implementing practical antibiotic management strategies, adhering to the 'Five Rights' of antibiotic prescribing, and strengthening scientific research to develop innovative treatment solutions and alternatives.