New studies carried out by doctors at Geneva university hospitals reveal a disturbing reality about antibiotic resistance among children in sub-Saharan Africa. The results are alarming, highlighting a growing prevalence of bacteria multi-resistant to antibiotic drugs in this region. The consequences of this increased resistance are extremely worrying, as bacterial infections become increasingly difficult to treat, posing a major public health challenge.
The two studies, conducted with rigor and precision, revealed a high proportion of antibiotic-resistant Enterobacteriaceae among children in sub-Saharan Africa. These enterobacteria, present in the digestive tract, can cause serious infections such as typhoid fever. In addition, the prevalence of children colonized by enterobacteria resistant to cephalosporins, third-generation antibiotics widely used in the region, is also very worrying.
One of the most concerning findings from these studies is that the majority of children hospitalized in sub-Saharan Africa are treated with antibiotics, ranging from 83 to 100%. Furthermore, it is alarming to note that more than half of these children, initially negative for resistant enterobacteria, left the hospital carrying these bacteria. This situation highlights a vicious circle where the massive and sometimes abusive use of antibiotics promotes the emergence of increasingly resistant bacterial strains.
Doctor Noémie Wagner, specialist in pediatric infectious diseases at the University Hospitals of Geneva, underlines the urgency of acting in the face of this growing threat. The lack of viable therapeutic alternatives in the region in the event of antibiotic treatment failure further complicates the situation. It is imperative to raise awareness of the importance of judicious use of antibiotics, promote responsible medical practices and strengthen measures to prevent bacterial infections.
Faced with this alarming reality, it is crucial that local health authorities, health professionals and the international community join forces to combat antibiotic resistance in sub-Saharan Africa. Urgent action must be taken to prevent the spread of multi-drug resistant bacteria and ensure effective treatments for children and vulnerable people. It is time to act collectively to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics and ensure the health and well-being of future generations.