CJMY
Reckitt Malaysia, a leading global consumer health and hygiene company, organised the first-ever Global Respiratory Infection Partnership (GRIP) Summit in the ASEAN region.
This significant event aimed to tackle the escalating concern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Southeast Asia. AMR is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a significant global health crisis, exacerbated by the overuse and improper prescription of antibiotics.
Expert collaboration to tackle antibiotic resistance
The GRIP Summit brought together international organisations, research institutions, healthcare authorities, and professionals from various countries to address the challenges posed by Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI) and sore throat management.
AMR is a growing issue, with experts warning that antibiotic-resistant infections could cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if not addressed.
GRIP, established in 2012, is a group of experts focused on raising awareness of the impact of antibiotic resistance. The summit aimed to address the challenges posed by URTIs, a leading cause of antibiotic overuse in Southeast Asia.
Local and global insights on antibiotic use
During the summit, experts discussed the global threat of AMR and its impact on the local treatment landscape of respiratory pathogens. They highlighted that Malaysia spends over RM150 million annually treating resistant infections claiming over 3,500 lives daily.
The summit also emphasised the need for responsible antibiotic use and advocated for symptomatic relief in sore throat management, given that most patients recover within a week regardless of antibiotic use.
The event revealed that a majority of young adults have misconceptions about antibiotics, leading to incorrect usage. A panel discussion focused on the importance of turning knowledge into action and optimising patient care.
Reckitt Malaysia’s hosting of the GRIP Malaysia Summit marks a significant milestone in the region’s approach to URTI treatment and combating antibiotic resistance.
By fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and public health organisations, the summit aimed to share best practices and facilitate knowledge exchange.
For more information, please visit https://www.grip-initiative.org/
Admin
