Prof. Otchere Addai-Mensah, CEO of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, has warned that if antimicrobial resistance is not addressed, it could reverse a century of medical advancements, disrupt food production, lead to poverty, and threaten global health security.

His concern stemmed from the far-reaching consequences of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which weakens the effectiveness of antibiotics used to treat infections.

Prof. Addai-Mensah shared his concern while delivering his keynote address at the 2024 Medical Knowledge Fiesta organized by the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GCPS).

The event, held from September 25th to 27th, brought together 396 medical professionals, scholars, and leaders to discuss the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

As AMR spreads, once-treatable diseases like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and sepsis become harder to cure, leading to higher mortality rates.

Resistant infections in livestock could disrupt food production, threatening food security and economic stability. This cascade of health and economic challenges risks plunging vulnerable populations into poverty. Global health security is compromised as infections become harder to control, increasing the threat of pandemics.

The theme, “Antimicrobial Resistance: The Role of the Healthcare Worker in Safeguarding Medicines,” emphasized the danger AMR poses to healthcare.

The event, chaired by Prof. Sebastian Eliason, Dean of the School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast engaged stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, and international partners, including representatives from the WHO and the Royal College of Emergency Medicine on this silent lurking AMR pandemic.

The conference focused on strategies to tackle AMR, including a workshop for more than 50 medical students on career development and research opportunities, led by Dr. Henry Lawson and Dr. Joseph Bonney. The workshop encouraged students to contribute to the fight against AMR by pursuing research and adhering to clinical best practices.

Prof. Addai-Mensah urged healthcare workers to take a leading role in combating this issue, warning that without action, millions could die from antibiotic-resistant infections by 2050.

He noted the high resistance rates seen in Ghana, with some bacteria showing over 80% resistance to antibiotics like tetracycline and ampicillin.

Prof. Richard Adanu, Rector of the GCPS, echoed the commitment of the College to fostering a culture of research and innovation. He urged healthcare professionals to take ownership of the AMR challenge, adhere to clinical guidelines, and support ongoing efforts to safeguard the effectiveness of antimicrobials.

The need for collective action is clear. Healthcare workers must be vigilant stewards of antibiotics. Government, pharmaceutical companies, and public collaboration is vital in controlling AMR.

Chair of the Planning Committee, Dr. Keziah Malm, summarized the call to action: “This is not just a fight for healthcare workers. It requires efforts from all sectors. Together, we can protect the effectiveness of the medicines we rely on.”

The next Medical Knowledge Fiesta will be held in 2025, continuing efforts to address health challenges and promote professional development.