The Department of Health in the Caraga Region (DOH-13) is intensifying its antimicrobial resistance (AMR) awareness campaign to prevent its adverse effects.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, DOH-13 Officer-In-Charge Director IV Sadaila Raki-in emphasized the vital role of the media in disseminating the campaign to the people in the region.

“Your presence today manifests your commitment in partnering with DOH-13 to get the right information from our resource speakers and channel it to the different areas, even in remote parts of Caraga,” Raki-in said.

She added that residents, especially in geographically isolated disadvantaged areas, rely on social media and other popular platforms like the radio for their sources of information.

In her presentation, Leslie Cortes, a senior pharmacist at DOH-13, discussed the importance of raising public awareness about the hazards of AMR.

She explained that difficulties with bacterial infections arise from incorrect antibiotic use.

“An antibiotic is a type of antimicrobial substance active against bacteria and the most important type of antibacterial agent for fighting bacterial infections,” Cortes said.

She noted that antibiotic medications are widely used to treat and prevent infections, either killing or inhibiting their growth.

An AMR, she pointed out, is a state where microorganisms that cause infections—such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—survive exposure to medication.

One of the key methods to prevent AMR is the proper use of antibiotics, which requires obtaining a prescription before use.

Cortes said a prescription ensures proper antibiotic use, correct dosage, directions, and completion of treatment.

Dr. Amethyst Kathleen Alicante, a senior medical officer at DOH-13, said among the negative effects of AMR are the much longer confinement during treatment and additional financial burden.

“Due to bacterial resistance, certain antibiotics are becoming less effective for patients with AMR. For treatment, we have to find more expensive antibiotics to treat AMR,” she said.

The DOH-13 is currently collaborating with various stakeholders, government health facilities and workers in the provinces as part of the campaign to reach more residents in the region. (PNA)