Tunisia Among Countries with Highest Rates of Excessive Antibiotic Consumption
Tunisia has been identified as one of the countries with the highest rates of excessive antibiotic consumption, warned Dr. Hala Antit, a general practitioner and president of the Ben Arous Association for Continuing Medical Education, on Saturday. This statement was made at the opening of the association's annual scientific congress, held in Tunis on September 27 and 28.
Dr. Antit emphasized that the massive and often unjustified use of antibiotics poses a growing threat to public health due to the rise of bacterial resistance. She called for a change in mindset among both doctors and patients, as well as the adoption of a culture of rational prescribing, denouncing the common practice of buying these medications without a prescription.
The congress, which brings together general practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, and health specialists from several regions, focuses on the rational use of antibiotics, the prevention of seasonal respiratory infections, and mental health. Practical workshops are also planned to strengthen the clinical skills of primary care physicians.
Other topics addressed include the impact of social media on the mental health of young people, oral infections, new data on electronic cigarettes, dietary supplements, and the latest recommendations for managing chronic diseases such as hypertension and lipid disorders.
Organized annually since 2013, this congress aims to strengthen the continuing education of healthcare professionals, promote the sharing of experiences between practitioners, and disseminate recent scientific advances in common medical practices.
An exhibition space on the sidelines of the event allowed participants to discover the latest pharmaceutical and medical innovations presented by laboratories and companies in the sector.
For Dr. Farhat Zehmoul, a general practitioner participating in the congress, these meetings offer an essential opportunity to update knowledge, strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation, and improve the quality of care, particularly in mental health, a field often neglected despite increasing social and economic pressures.
