Misuse of antibiotics, poor hygiene in hospitals and medical tourism have contributed to rapid growth of drug-resistant "superbugs" in the GCC, researchers warn.
A study of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the UAE and region found one strain of dangerous superbug has increased up to 90 per cent over the past two decades.
Carbapenem-resistant bacteria kills up to half of the patients who become infected with it. Details of how many infection cases and fatalities there have been in the region from the bacteria were not available.
Hosam Zowawi, co-author of the study, said unnecessary use of antibiotics was identified as a major cause in the spread of hospital and community-acquired infections across the GCC.
"Superbugs are born and grow from the irrational use of antibiotics and it's clear from our research that active guidelines must be implemented to restrict their use in the region," said Mr Zowawi, of the University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research in Australia.
"Although non-prescription sales of antibiotics are illegal in the GCC states, 68 per cent of pharmacies in Abu Dhabi, 78 per cent in Riyadh and 87 of 88 pharmacies included in a study in Saudi Arabia had sold antibiotics to patients unnecessarily and/or without a prescription."
Researchers also found that poor attention to hand hygiene in hospitals and the region's large population of migrant workers could have also contributed to the spread.
The World Health Organisation in 2011 called for urgent action by governments and health professionals to slow the spread of drug resistant infections.
"Inappropriate use of antimicrobials drives the development of drug resistance," the WHO said in a report in 2011.
"Overuse, underuse and misuse of medicines contribute to the problem."
Mr Zowawi said intervention was needed to battle "the medical disaster facing the GCC states".
"Improving basic infection control precautions like hand hygiene, and prohibiting the availability of antibiotics without a prescription should also be mandatory, particularly in conjunction with a mass education campaign about antibiotic use," he said.
Prof David Paterson, who also worked on the study, said the research team has developed the first regional network of collaborating hospitals and institutes to study superbugs in the region.
They hope the network will eventually develop continuing surveillance for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The research findings are published in this month's Clinical Microbiology Reviews journal.
jbell@thenational.ae
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
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NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
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The Bio
Ram Buxani earned a salary of 125 rupees per month in 1959
Indian currency was then legal tender in the Trucial States.
He received the wages plus food, accommodation, a haircut and cinema ticket twice a month and actuals for shaving and laundry expenses
Buxani followed in his father’s footsteps when he applied for a job overseas
His father Jivat Ram worked in general merchandize store in Gibraltar and the Canary Islands in the early 1930s
Buxani grew the UAE business over several sectors from retail to financial services but is attached to the original textile business
He talks in detail about natural fibres, the texture of cloth, mirrorwork and embroidery
Buxani lives by a simple philosophy – do good to all
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million