admin 
People have been presenting to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital with drug-resistant forms of bacteria.
The stark revelation from the Director of Clinical and Diagnostic Services, Dr. the Most Honourable Corey Forde.
He was a guest on Mornin’ Barbados as the hospital observes World Antimicrobial Resistance Week.
Antimicrobial resistance or AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to medicines such as antibiotics.
The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals and plants are the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant pathogens.
Researchers forecast South Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean will have the highest AMR mortality rates by 2050.
Dr. Forde warns the impact on Barbados would be particularly severe, because of the country’s ageing population and the high prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases.
The activities for AMR Week include Go Blue Friday, where members of the public will be encouraged to turn in any unused or expired antimicrobials, for safe disposal.
