Antimicrobial resistance was responsible for an estimated 19,000 extra deaths in Thailand in 2010.[1] In Thailand, antibiotics can be accessed over-the-counter, and inappropriate use of antibiotics is seen among both health professionals and the general public.[2] It is estimated that less than 10% of cases of the common cold are complicated by bacterial infection, but, in Thailand, antibiotics are commonly prescribed for common cold by healthcare workers in hospitals, doctors in clinics, and pharmacists at drug stores, and are commonly requested by patients themselves. Inappropriate use of antibiotics endangers the health of patients and everyone in the country. 

Thailand introduced the ‘Antibiotic Smart Use’ program as a model to promote rational drug use, starting with antibiotics.[2] Three conditions that are targeted in the program includes (i) the common cold with sore throat, (ii) acute diarrhea, and (iii) simple wounds, as most people with these conditions do not require antibiotics. The program consists of three phrases. The first phase of the program was to assess the interventions that are aimed to change the prescribing behavior. The second phase examines the feasibility of the program scale-up, lastly, the third phase focuses on promoting sustainability.[1]

There are also a number of campaigns in different countries or globally that are dedicated to raise awareness and tackle antibiotic resistance, such as Antibiotic Guardian and Antibiotic Awareness Week

Figure 1: the logo of Antibiotic Smart Use

References

1 Sumpradit N., Chongtrakul P., Anuwong K., et al (2012). “Antibiotic Smart Use: a workable model for promoting the rational use of medicine in Thailand”. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 90 (12): 905-913. doi: 10.2471/BLT.12.105445

2 Lim C., Takahashi E., Hongs wan M., et al (2016). “Epidemiology and burden of multidrug-resistant bacterial infection in a developing country”. eLife. 5 (e18082). doi: 10.7554/eLife.18082

3 “Antibiotics Smart Use in Thailand”. reactgroup.org.