What happens when the medicines we rely on to fight infections no longer work?
Antibiotics have saved countless lives, but antimicrobial resistance is becoming a major public health concern. When bacteria develop resistance to the medicines designed to treat them, infections can become harder to manage, the risk of complications can increase, and pressure on healthcare systems can grow.
On this episode of Medical Mondays, we explore antibiotic resistance in South Africa, why it matters, and how everyday choices can contribute to the problem.
Joining us are Dr Naqita Alexander, Founder and Public Health Expert at UCN, and Dr Maahirah Khan, Emergency Medicine Physician at UCN, to unpack the science behind antibiotic resistance, the challenges facing South Africa, and the steps we can take to use antibiotics responsibly.
Antibiotic resistance is not only a hospital issue. Our decisions about when and how we use antibiotics matter. Taking them unnecessarily, using someone else’s medication or failing to follow professional instructions can contribute to the wider problem.
The message is simple: antibiotics are valuable medicines, and using them responsibly helps protect their effectiveness for the future.
Guests:
Dr Naqita Alexander — Founder and Public Health Expert, UCN
Dr Maahirah Khan — Emergency Medicine Physician, UCN
Health information shared in this programme is for educational purposes and does not replace individual medical advice. Do not start, share or change antibiotic treatment without appropriate guidance from a healthcare professional.
