Hospitals in Ukraine are grappling with a disturbing rise in drug-resistant infections as a result of the ongoing conflict with Russia, according to a new report. The increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Ukraine’s healthcare systems is being described as a pressing crisis that demands immediate attention.
The dire situation was uncovered by surveys conducted at three regional hospitals in Ukraine. Shockingly, the surveys revealed that 14% of the patients had acquired infections while seeking treatment at the hospital. Even more alarming was the discovery that a significant number of these infections displayed high rates of AMR. Specifically, 60% of the patients were found to have infections resistant to carbapenem, a class of highly effective antibiotics commonly used for severe bacterial infections.
These figures paint a grim picture compared to a 2016/17 European Union-wide survey which involved over 300,000 acute care hospital patients and 100,000 long-term care facility residents. In the EU survey, only 5.5% of the respondents were found to have contracted infections while hospitalized, and of those, 6.2% were resistant to carbapenem.
The disparity between Ukraine and the EU in terms of AMR rates is a major cause for concern. AMR is a global health crisis, endangering the effectiveness of many commonly used antibiotics, and making it more difficult to treat bacterial infections. If left unaddressed, this crisis has the potential to escalate further and put countless lives at risk.
The root cause of Ukraine’s rising AMR rates is directly linked to the ongoing war with Russia. The conflict has strained Ukraine’s healthcare system and infrastructure, leading to overcrowded hospitals, limited resources, and unsanitary conditions. These factors create an ideal breeding ground for the spread of drug-resistant infections.
In order to combat this urgent crisis, it is crucial for Ukraine’s government and international partners to prioritize investment in their healthcare systems. This should include improved infrastructure, increased funding, enhanced infection control measures, and better access to appropriate antibiotics. Additionally, the public should be educated about the importance of responsible antibiotic use to prevent the further development and spread of AMR.
The situation in Ukrainian hospitals serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that armed conflicts can have on healthcare systems. It is imperative that immediate action is taken to address this crisis and prevent further loss of life.
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