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A top Bahraini doctor is calling for increased regional research into antimicrobial resistance (AMR), warning that the threat is growing as a result of climate change.
Infectious diseases senior consultant and Arabian Gulf University (AGU) associate professor Dr Jameela Al Salman raised her concerns during the first Bahrain International Public Health Conference, which opened yesterday at the Gulf Convention Centre, in Adliya.
Dr Al Salman
The two-day event is being organised by the Health Ministry, Supreme Council for Health (SCH) and BDA Conferences and Exhibitions and ends today.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, SCH chairman Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa affirmed Bahrain’s commitment to developing its health and medical services and providing the best possible care.
Lt Gen Dr Shaikh Mohammed, second from left, with Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla Adel Fakhro, centre, and other dignitaries at the event
Dr Al Salman, speaking during a session titled ‘One Health, Two Global Threats: Combating Antimicrobial Resistance Amid Climate Change’, said that climate change, largely driven by human activity, is a serious global challenge affecting more than 3.6 billion people.
“We are ignoring the elephant in the room,” she warned.
“Pretending it is not there will not make it disappear. We are already seeing its consequences, including a rise in antimicrobial resistance and other serious health threats.”
The region’s limited research makes addressing AMR even more challenging, she added.
“What really concerns me – and many others working in the field of antimicrobial resistance – is the lack of research and investment,” she said, adding that there are very few studies and investments focused on this issue, even though it poses a “serious threat to public health and our populations.
“It is something we must start addressing immediately.”
Dr Al Salman highlighted the direct link between climate change and the rise of AMR, explaining that “rising temperatures, floods, extreme weather events and increased migration all contribute to the spread of infectious diseases and resistant microbes – through contaminated water, waste and increased human-to-human and cross-border transmission.”
Additionally, climate change-induced events like floods and droughts can lead to increased use of antimicrobials in agriculture and healthcare, further driving AMR.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported a sharp increase in cholera cases and deaths across Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia in recent years – reversing decades of progress in controlling the disease.
The highest levels of AMR are in parts of South Asia and the Middle East where about one in three reported infections are resistant, according to the WHO.
Dr Al Sayyed
Health Minister Dr Jalila Al Sayyed highlighted that the conference serves as a “leading scientific platform that contributes to anticipating the future of public health and reviewing global best practices that enhance quality of life and promote healthier communities.
“Bahrain has established an integrated health approach that prioritises human well-being and places prevention and health awareness at the forefront, affirming that investment in public health is the most valuable investment for a more sustainable and prosperous future,” she said.
She noted that the conference serves as an important opportunity to deepen scientific co-operation, exchange, expertise and showcase successful experiences in areas such as disease prevention, combatting chronic and infectious diseases, promoting healthy lifestyles and enhancing the quality of healthcare services.
Meanwhile, conference president Dr Samya Ali Bahram emphasised that the event is being held at a time when the world is undergoing rapid health and environmental changes, underscoring the need to enhance preparedness, strengthen surveillance systems and bolster emergency and disease control capabilities.
Dr Bahram
Also speaking at the opening ceremony, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hanan Balkhy praised Bahrain, describing it as a ‘beacon of progress’.
“From its comprehensive Covid-19 response, documented as a WHO case study to its achievements in eliminating measles and containing immunisation coverage exceeding 95 per cent, Bahrain continues to demonstrate excellence in preparedness and response.”
Some of the sessions held yesterday included ‘Advancing Equity and Innovation: Bahrain’s Path to Inclusive, Peaceful and Sustainable Public Health’, ‘Acting on the Call towards Elimination: Cervical Cancer Self-Testing’ and ‘Mouth to Mind: A Review of the Impact of Oral Health Conditions on Children’s School Life’.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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