Antibiotics may lose their power to cure disease, WHO warns

Antibiotics may lose their power to cure disease, WHO warns

MANILA , 7 April 2011—The World Health Organization (WHO) today warned of a possible return to the days before antibiotics were developed unless global action is taken urgently to combat the growing problem of drug resistance.

WHO cautioned that the misuse and irrational use of drugs are weakening the fight against diseases, such as tuberculosis and malaria, that should have been contained decades ago. At the same time, other age-old diseases are on the rise, with the possibility of no cure.

The rallying cry of this year's World Health Day, observed on 7 April is "Combat drug resistance! No action today, no cure tomorrow." It seeks to raise awareness about what drives antimicrobial resistance and how to halt it.

"Antimicrobial drug resistance is a complex problem, and it requires a comprehensive response among and between Member States across different sectors," said Dr Shin Young-soo, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific.

ENDS

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