Incorrect antibiotic use can endanger everyone’s health, DOH warns
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga warns the public against the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, stressing that such practices can lead to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is a threat to public health.
During the Media Forum on antimicrobial resistance awareness campaign conducted on October 15, Doctor Sadaila Raki-in, OIC-regional director of DOH-CHD Caraga, shared that the department is intensifying its information drive to raise awareness on the dangers of antibiotic misuse and its long-term effects on individuals and communities.
“Incorrect antibiotic use doesn’t just affect one person; it puts everyone at risk,” Doctor Raki-in said. “Once bacteria becomes resistant, infections become harder and more expensive to treat, and even common illnesses can turn deadly.”
She emphasized the crucial role of the media in spreading accurate and science-based information on health programs, particularly in combating AMR.
“Your presence today manifests your commitment to partner with DOH-CHD Caraga in delivering the right information to every Caraganon, even in far-flung areas,” Raki-in added. “We need everyone’s cooperation, health workers, patients, media and the public. Always consult a doctor before taking antibiotics. Never self-medicate.”
According to Leslie Cortes, senior pharmacist of DOH-CHD Caraga, antibiotics are powerful medicines used to fight bacterial infections, but they must be taken correctly and only with a doctor’s prescription.
“Misusing antibiotics, such as taking them without a prescription, using leftover doses, or not completing the prescribed treatment can make bacteria resistant,” Cortes said. “When this happens, the same antibiotic will no longer work when you need it most.”
Cortes further explained that antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites survive exposure to medications that are supposed to kill them.
Doctor Amethyst Kathleen Alicante, senior medical officer of DOH-CHD Caraga, also highlighted the consequences of AMR on patients. “Those with bacterial resistance often experience longer hospital stays, more complicated treatments, and higher medical costs because doctors are forced to use more expensive or stronger antibiotics.”
DOH-CHD Caraga continues to work with local government units, hospitals, and health workers across the region to raise awareness and ensure the responsible use of antibiotics.
Meanwhile, Ronald Anthony P. Briol, information officer of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga, urged the media personnel to help stop the spread of misinformation and disinformation, especially on self-medication during times of disaster and emergencies.
“The media plays a vital role in disseminating this antimicrobial resistance awareness campaign to grassroots communities,” Briol said, noting that risk communication is essential to saving lives during disasters and emergencies. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
