Inadequate Access to Antibiotics Found to Be a Major Global Health Challenge

(Newswire.net — October 25, 2021) Orlando, FL — The dangers of antibiotic resistance has been dominating the headlines over the years. While there is widespread overuse of this type of medication, it is important to note that in some areas of the world people die due to a lack of access to antibiotics. 

Many people belonging to low- and middle-income countries die from not getting antibiotic treatment.

According to experts, the majority of the global annual 5.7 million antibiotic-treatable deaths happen in low- and middle-income countries. These are countries where the mortality burden from treatable bacterial infections significantly exceeds the estimated annual 700,000 deaths from antibiotic-resistant infections.

The title of this new report is “Access Barriers to Antibiotics.” 

It was carried out by researchers at the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy (CDDEP).

They conducted stakeholder interviews in Uganda, India, and Germany, and literature reviews for the purpose of identifying key access barriers to antibiotics in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. 

“Lack of access to antibiotics kills more people currently than does antibiotic resistance, but we have not had a good handle on why these barriers are created,” said Dr. Ramanan Laxminarayan.

Laxminarayan is the CDDEP director and a co-author of the report. 

“Our research shows that of 21 new antibiotics entering markets between 1999 and 2014, less than five were registered in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Just the mere existence of an effective antibiotic does not mean that they are available in countries where they are most needed,” he added.

It is worth noting that in low- and middle-income countries, there is inconsistency in the availability of antibiotics due to weak drug supply.  Further, it is found that a lack of oversight and regulation in the drug manufacturing and supply chain results in poor drug quality and falsified medicines.

While there is a lack of access to antibiotics in certain areas around the globe, it is important to keep in mind that its misuse or overuse is still widespread. The skyrocketing demand for antibiotics is often driven by the increase in the rates of UTIs.

Urinary tract infections are often treated with antibiotics but are also highly preventable. In reducing the risk of UTIs, the need for this medication may be lessened or eliminated.

There are all-natural remedies like cranberry or the use of Divine Bounty D-mannose that may be helpful. This highly potent and pure formula is made according to strict Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines in an FDA-inspected facility in the U.S. (www.amazon.com/D-Mannose-600mg-Cranberry-Dandelion-Extract/dp/B01LX5KGF0)