Creating mass-awareness to resist antibiotic misuse stressed

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RAJSHAHI, Nov 13, 2018 (BSS)-Experts and scientists at a post-rally
discussion here have suggested creating sufficient awareness among members of
the public and others concerned for resisting misuses of antibiotics.

They viewed that misuse of antibiotic has become an issue of grave concern
in the present context. So, all the government and non-government entities
concerned should come forward and work together to address the problem on a
priority basis.

Department of Livestock Services (DLS) organized the discussion at its
office to mark the World Antibiotic Awareness Week-2018 in the city on
Monday.

Chaired by DLS Divisional Deputy Director Dr Humayun Kabir, the meeting was
addressed, among others, by deputy director of Poultry Farm Nazrul Islam,
Assistant Director of Artificial Insemination Centre Dr Ismail Haque,
District Livestock Officer Dr Zulfikar Akhter Hossain and field coordinator
of CAB Mijanur Rahman.

During his keynote presentation, Professor Dr Khandaker Mozaffar Hossain
from Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Rajshahi University says
over-prescription of antibiotic drugs is just one of the reasons why
resistance to vital medicines is growing.

“We frequently see in the community that patients bypass doctors and
directly purchase antibiotics from pharmacies where it is widely available
without prescription,” adds Dr Hossain.

“It is a matter of worry that antibiotics are often prescribed without
knowing the consequences that might lead to many fatal diseases,” said Prof
Hossain.

He said poor enforcement of laws to limit access to antibiotics is one of
the reasons for the persistent of their abuse in society.

“Bangladesh needs an improved surveillance of antibiotic resistance,
regulation of the appropriate use of quality medicines, and education about
the consequences of overuse,” says Dr Hossain.

Prof Hossain also told the meeting that using overrated antibiotic in
poultry feed is harmful to public health. So, time has come to look into the
matter with utmost sincerity. “We have to ensure safe poultry feed and good
poultry farming management,” he added.