AKIPRESS.COM - The first national study on the prevalence and health impact of antibiotic resistance and economic damage from bloodstream infections kicked off in Kyrgyzstan on June 5.

The study is carried out together with the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health noted. The WHO provided equipment and diagnostic supplies worth more than $300,000. Trainings were conducted for staff of 40 hospitals across the country, as well as for employees of three laboratories that will take part in the study.

According to the WHO, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines. As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, disability and death.

The launch event brought together representatives of the Cabinet of Ministers, Parliament, development partners and foreign embassies, various ministries and departments, health workers, WHO experts and members of professional associations.

Minister of Health Alymkadyr Beishenaliev spoke about the steps taken by Kyrgyzstan to combat antibiotic resistance. Kyrgyzstan was chosen for the first national study due to its unique conditions, including the availability of automated systems for identifying bacteria and testing for susceptibility to antibiotics.

The study's findings will help develop strategies to contain the antibiotic resistance, improve clinical protocols and ensure rational and effective use of antimicrobials, which will ultimately lead to improved public health and the sustainability of health systems.