News

Mar 20, 2023

Antibiotic resistance has become a buzzing word in the healthcare setting due to its negative impact on human health and treatment. In order to spread awareness, the Department of Pharmacy, East West University (EWU) arranged a seminar on- ‘Antibiotic resistance a silent killer-Bangladesh scenario in a global perspective’ on 19 March 2023 at the ‘Manzur Elahi’ auditorium of EWU. The seminar was Chaired by Professor Dr. Mohammed Farashuddin, the Chief Adviser and a former governor of Bangladesh Bank. Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain Howlader, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, was the Chief Guest and Mr. Md. Nasser Shahrear Zahedee, Member of the Board of Trustees, EWU, and Chairman
Radiant Pharmaceuticals Ltd. was the Special Guest.  Professor Dr. M. M. Shahidul Hassan, Vice Chancellor of EWU also spoke at the seminar. Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Vice Chancellor, Jessore University of Science and Technology, was present as the keynote speaker.

It was informed in the seminar, The World Health Organization has imposed a “silent pandemic” warning from infectious pathogens which have already become resistant to antibiotic medicines that are currently used in clinical settings. The scenario in Bangladesh is much more alarming due to the higher incidence of antibiotic misuse or overuse and the lack of knowledge regarding antibiotic resistance. According to a survey done in 2021 by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), antibiotics of higher class are used in about 70-80% of situations where antibiotics from lower class or even treatment without antibiotics would suffice. A survey among children showed that about 18% of children under five years of age who were hospitalized due to pneumonia, were suffering from antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Carbapenem, which is the final resort as antibiotic therapy in life-threatening situations has become ineffective in 60% of cases in Bangladesh. Awareness among mass people is one of the most important steps to fight this situation. Speakers hope that this seminar will play a key role in the prevention of antibiotic resistance, spreading awareness among the community and in the establishment of rational use of antibiotics.

Mr. Nowshad Shamsul Arefin, Member, Board of Trustees, EWU, Professor Dr. Muhammad Ziaulhaq Mamun, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Air Cdre (retd) Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury, Treasurer, Deans, Faculty members, Officers, Staff, and a large number of students of the university were also present at the program.