Need to urgently address overuse, misuse of antibiotics in humans, livestock: Dr. Haroon Hussain
M’luru: Dr. Haroon completes internationally recognized certification in Antimicrobial Stewardship
Mangalore, Karnataka: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is emerging as one of the most critical public health challenges of our time, threatening to undo decades of progress in treating infectious diseases. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics, not just in human healthcare but also in the veterinary and livestock industries, have led to a rapid rise in resistant bacteria. This growing crisis demands immediate and concerted action, especially in countries like India, where the situation is particularly alarming.
In India, the high burden of infectious diseases, combined with widespread and often unregulated access to antibiotics, has created a perfect storm for the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Antibiotics are frequently prescribed without proper diagnosis, and self-medication is common. Moreover, in the veterinary field, antibiotics are extensively used in the livestock industry, often as growth promoters, further exacerbating the problem. The result is a dangerous increase in drug-resistant infections, which are becoming harder to treat and leading to higher mortality rates.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified antimicrobial resistance as one of the top ten global health threats, warning that if no significant action is taken, AMR could cause millions of deaths annually by 2050. The situation in India mirrors this global trend, with resistant infections already leading to prolonged hospital stays, increased medical costs, and higher death rates.
Given the severity of the issue, there is an urgent need to train healthcare professionals in antimicrobial stewardship—a set of coordinated strategies to improve the use of antibiotics, promote responsible prescribing practices, and reduce the spread of resistance. Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASP) are essential in ensuring that antibiotics are used judiciously, with the right drug, at the right dose, for the right duration. These programs play a crucial role in preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics, safeguarding public health, and improving patient outcomes.
Recognizing the importance of antimicrobial stewardship, Dr. Haroon H, a consultant in internal medicine at KMC Hospital, Mangalore, has recently completed the Certification of Antimicrobial Stewardship for Healthcare Professionals. This certification, endorsed by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the Clinical Infectious Disease Society of India (CIDS), equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to implement effective ASPs in their institutions.
In a statement, Dr. Haroon expressed his concern about the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing the need for healthcare workers to lead the fight against this global health crisis. "The misuse and overuse of antibiotics in both human healthcare and the veterinary sector are driving the alarming rise of drug-resistant infections. It's essential that we, as healthcare professionals, take urgent action to address this issue," he said.
Dr. Haroon also highlighted the importance of educating both patients and healthcare providers about the dangers of antibiotic misuse and the need for responsible prescribing practices. He believes that by promoting awareness and implementing robust antimicrobial stewardship programs, healthcare institutions can play a pivotal role in curbing the spread of resistance.
Throughout his training, Dr. Haroon had the opportunity to learn from some of the leading experts in the field, including Dr. Priscilla Rupali and Dr. Balaji Veeraraghavan from Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, and Dr. Priya Nori from the United States. These interactions, according to Dr. Haroon, greatly enriched his understanding of how to effectively implement antimicrobial stewardship practices in a clinical setting.
In recognition of his achievement, KMC Hospital took to its official X (formerly Twitter) handle to congratulate Dr. Haroon. The hospital wrote, "Congratulations to Dr. Haroon H., Asst Prof in the Dept of Medicine, for successfully completing the Certification in Antimicrobial Stewardship for Healthcare Professionals, endorsed by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and @CidsIndia."
Dr. Haroon, who also serves as the Editor of the Indian Journal of Geriatric Care and is a national executive committee member of the Geriatric Society of India, reiterated the importance of collective efforts in addressing the AMR crisis. He urged all healthcare professionals to embrace their roles as stewards of antimicrobials to protect patients, preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations, and mitigate the impact of this global health challenge.
"The fight against antimicrobial resistance is not just about one person’s achievement but about the collective responsibility we all share as healthcare providers. By working together, we can safeguard public health and ensure that antibiotics remain a powerful tool in our medical arsenal for years to come," Dr. Haroon concluded.
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8 children between ages of 1 and 14 dead after mass shooting in Louisiana, police say
Shreveport(US) (AP): A gunman in Louisiana killed eight children in shootings at two different homes early Sunday in the nation's deadliest mass shooting in more than two years, police in Shreveport said.
The victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old, said Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 were shot and some of the children were related to the suspect, Bordelon said.
The gunman later died after a chase with officers who fired at the suspect, Bordelon said. The suspect stole a car while leaving the scene of the shootings and was followed by police, according to Bordelon.
Police did not release the name of the suspect but did say he was an adult male. The shootings were the result of a “domestic disturbance,” Bordelon said.
Officials said they were still gathering details at the crime scenes south of downtown Shreveport — the two homes and a third location.
“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” he said.
It was the deadliest mass shooting in the US since eight people were killed in a Chicago suburb in January 2024, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.
At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned, requesting patience and prayers from the community as they sorted through multiple crime scenes.
“I just don't know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”
“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had,” said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents. “It's a terrible morning.”
Louisiana State Police say their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate. In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting that involved an officer after a police pursuit into Bossier City on Sunday morning.
State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with state police detectives.
Louisiana Gov Jeff Landry said in a statement that he and his wife were heartbroken. “We're deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene,” he added.
