Photos by Linny Folau

"Use antibiotics responsibly" is the theme of a World Antibiotics Awareness Week launched in Nuku’alofa on Monday, November 14 to raise awareness about the serious health issue of antibiotic resistance. Tonga's doctors pointed out that misuse of antibiotics is not only dangerous but also costly and urged Tongans to adopt better hygiene to help fight the spread of infectious diseases.

The Minister for Health Hon Saia Piukala in his address at the Kalofiama 'o Epworth Hall said of two main things to fight against, Non-Communicable Diseases namely diabetes and antibiotics resistance.

“This is the battle we need to fight and must win."

He said it is important to work together and urged the public to listen to the radio and television health programs this week to understand this important issue.

Tackling antibiotic resistance is a high priority for WHO as it launched a Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance.

He asked the public not to misuse taking of antibiotics.

"Some people think when they have the flu to take antibiotics but it does not work on this virus, and if they do not have any they ask a neighbour for some, this needs to stop. We must always see a doctor and it is the doctor who prescribes to you the right antibiotics and you must follow the instructions given in order for it to work. The problem nowadays is some of our people are taking antibiotics irresponsibly - like not taking it at the right time and duration contributes to this problem," he said.

The Minister also noted of the financial cost as Tonga has so far this year spent $570,000 pa’anga to buy antibiotics only. "Please use it wisely and righfully because if we do not this money could have been used to finance other important needs of the country," he said.

Right

The Director of Health Dr Siale 'Akau'ola said of the importance for the antibiotics to go to the right patient, have the right dosage and be taken at the right time and duration.

He said WHO in Geneva launched the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, which showed how antibiotics resistance is an increasing problem worldwide.

The Action Plan has five main objectives which includes improving awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance, reduce the incidence of infection and optimizing the use of antimicrobial medicines.

"Strengthen your hygiene control. I find it rare these days to see someone coughing take out a handkerchief or tissue when coughing. We need to strenghten our hygiene," he said.

WHO response

Tackling antibiotic resistance is a high priority for WHO with its Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, including antibiotic resistance as endorsed at the World Health Assembly in 2015. 

The global action plan aims to ensure prevention and treatment of infectious diseases with safe and effective medicines.

Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent and treat bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in response to the use of these medicines. 

Antibiotic resistance is accelerated by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, as well as poor infection prevention and control. Antibiotic resistance leads to higher medical costs, prolonged hospital stays, and increased mortality. 

The awareness week runs until 20 November.