WHO Study: Twelve Percent of Respondents in BiH Use Antibiotics Without a Prescription

(Patria) - New data from a survey by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe on people's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding antimicrobial resistance has revealed that twelve percent of respondents in BiH use antibiotics without a medical prescription.

Self-reported antibiotic consumption in BiH stands at 52% compared to 23% in EU/EEA member states, according to an Eurobarometer survey (representing the lowest level reported since 2009).

Furthermore, 53% of respondents in BiH incorrectly believe that antibiotics kill viruses, while 49% think they are effective against the common cold. Additionally, 78% of respondents stated they had a prescription for an antibiotic, while 8% were unsure how they obtained antibiotics.

The aforementioned survey included 8,221 respondents from 14 member states in the WHO European Region, including BiH, as well as Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.

A total of 1,055 respondents from BiH participated in the survey, making this research the first of its kind in the region.

- Our findings illustrate gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning the improper use of antibiotics, which can lead to infections that are difficult or even impossible to treat.

We still have a long way to go to slow the rapid spread of treatment-resistant bacteria, which is becoming one of the biggest global public health threats.

Countries must urgently launch targeted awareness campaigns that reach people, communities, and healthcare professionals - says Dr. Hans Henri Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

WHO Special Representative in BiH, Dr. Erwin Cooreman, emphasized that the survey also shows that healthcare professionals, particularly doctors, are the most trusted sources of information.

- This provides a unique opportunity to leverage that trust to address gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, and to empower health professionals to improve patient and public awareness about the proper use of antibiotics - adds Cooreman.

The antimicrobial resistance roadmap for the WHO European Region for the period 2023-2030, along with the recently adopted political declaration at the second High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) during the 79th UN General Assembly, will serve as a catalyst for urgent and coordinated action in the region.

Based on these commitments, the WHO Regional Office for Europe reiterates its support to member states in combating antimicrobial resistance.

In this context, the annual World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) campaign was also launched today, under the slogan "Educate. Advocate. Act.", emphasizing the critical need for urgent action in the fight against AMR.