Antimicrobial resistance, 5th cause of death amongst patients in the world - PHARMTECH Addai

The President of the Pharmacy Technicians Association of Ghana (PTAG), PharmTech Richard Ofosu Addai, has revealed that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is now the fifth leading cause of death among patients worldwide.

He stressed that the alarming rise of AMR has prompted urgent discussions with key stakeholders to better understand the magnitude of the issue and develop strategies to address it.

PharmTech Ofosu Addai made these remarks while speaking to journalists at the sidelines of the 15th PTAG Annual General Conference, held at the GRASSAG Auditorium at the University of Cape Coast on Thursday, September 12, 2024. The conference, themed "Addressing Global Antimicrobial Resistance: A Call for Patient Education and Collaboration," focused on the growing threat of AMR and the need for collective action.

The PTAG President highlighted the importance of the conference in raising awareness about the dangers of AMR. He emphasized the need for collaboration between various sectors, including the poultry industry, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and patients, to fully comprehend and combat the growing resistance.

“AMR is not just a problem for Ghana but a global one, now becoming the fifth leading cause of death among patients worldwide,” PharmTech Ofosu Addai explained.

He also drew attention to the link between illegal mining activities (commonly known as "galamsey") and AMR, noting that heavy metal contamination from polluted water sources is contributing to resistance. "Recently, we have observed serious diseases emerging as a result of water pollution caused by illegal mining. Patients are becoming resistant to medications prescribed for these diseases due to the contaminants they have ingested," he said.

PharmTech Ofosu Addai expressed concern over the rising healthcare costs for both individuals and the government, urging authorities to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining, which exacerbates the AMR crisis.

The 15th Annual General Conference of PTAG was organized by its national executive team, led by PharmTech Richard Ofosu Addai as President, Stephen Oppong-Yeboah (Vice President), Abdulai Yahaha Ahaji (General Secretary), Enoch Baffoe-Bonnie (Financial Secretary), Obed Asare-Bediako (Publicity Secretary), Akosua Awisi Yeboah (Treasurer), Richard Botwe (Organizer), Nabigah Paul Forkuoh (Deputy Secretary), and Eric Boakye Amankwah (Deputy Organizer).

The thematic speaker for the event was Prof. Kwame Ohene Buabeng, while Prof. Nana Ekua Nyaniba Suapem I, Queen Mother of Dahia, chaired the occasion.