Antimicrobial resistance threatens human health worldwide. A WHO report shows how vaccinations could solve the problem.
Geneva – Pathogenic bacteria can be found everywhere in everyday life even within your own four walls. It becomes problematic when the bacteria do not react to the relevant medications and show resistance. Researchers assume that more people may die from antibiotic-resistant infections. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccinations could make a decisive contribution.
WHO: Vaccinations can help against resistant bacteria
The increasing number of resistances to antibiotics and similar drugs poses a serious threat to patients. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), vaccinations are intended to protect against infection with certain diseases and destroy pathogens if the vaccination rate is correspondingly high. In addition to all these effects, a study by the WHO shows that vaccines can also help with the problem of antimicrobial resistance.
According to that U.N.report, vaccines play a crucial role in preventing deaths from antimicrobial resistance. The WHO, based in Geneva, reports that over half a million lives could be saved every year.
Reducing bacterial resistance – WHO on the connection with vaccinations
Antimicrobial substances not only work against bacteria, but also against viruses, fungi and parasites. The WHO estimates that 515,000 fewer deaths would be recorded worldwide every year if infections and the transmission of pathogens were curbed more effectively through vaccinations. This would reduce the need for antimicrobial drugs and thus also reduce the number of resistances. As a result, fewer patients would die from such resistance.
Preventing more infections could also lead to significant savings in medical costs. In its estimate, the WHO took into account both existing vaccines and those that are still in the early or advanced stages of development. Vaccines are therefore a key element in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. (vk/dpa)
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