This article was exclusively written for European Sting by Ms. Patricia Fotso is a third-year medical student at the Faculty of Medicine of Douala, Cameroon. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.
Antibiotic resistance is more than a scientific problem—it is a quiet crisis that affects people, animals, and the world around us. As a medical student, I have seen patients struggle when infections refuse to respond to treatment. Simple illnesses that should be cured easily can turn into long, frightening experiences. This invisible threat reminds me that health is fragile, and the actions we take every day can make a difference.
Resistance affects humans directly. In hospitals, patients rely on antibiotics to survive infections after surgery, childbirth, or chemotherapy. When these medicines fail, the consequences can be devastating. Families watch loved ones suffer, and doctors feel powerless despite all their training. The emotional impact of resistance is as real as its clinical effects, touching hope, trust, and dignity.
Animals are also part of this story. Livestock and pets are often given antibiotics to prevent or treat infections. But overuse allows bacteria to survive, adapt, and eventually move between animals and humans. Food, water, and even direct contact become pathways for resistant microbes. If we ignore this connection, the problem grows beyond any single hospital or community.
The environment silently carries these resistant bacteria as well. Water, soil, and waste contaminated with antibiotics and microbes become reservoirs that spread resistance across regions. Protecting the environment is therefore not separate from protecting human and animal health—it is part of the same battle. Every action we take to reduce pollution or treat waste responsibly helps slow the spread of resistance.
Each of us has a role to play. Individuals can complete prescribed antibiotic courses, avoid self-medicating, and follow hygiene measures. Healthcare workers can educate patients and follow careful prescribing practices. Farmers and food producers can reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and adopt safer practices. Communities can raise awareness, share stories, and encourage responsible behavior. Change begins with understanding and small, consistent actions.
One Health teaches that humans, animals, and the environment are connected in ways we cannot separate. Protecting one protects all. Antibiotic resistance is a global challenge, but it is also personal—it affects real lives every day. Acting with knowledge, compassion, and responsibility is essential to ensure that future generations can rely on medicines that work. This fight is not only about science; it is about dignity, safety, and the chance for every life to thrive. Together, we can defend life against a threat that respects no boundaries.
About the author
Patricia Fotso is a third-year medical student at the Faculty of Medicine of Douala. She is passionate about public health, global medicine, and raising awareness on critical health issues such as antibiotic resistance. Patricia is actively involved in health campaigns and educational initiatives, and is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA). She aims to combine medical knowledge with advocacy to improve health outcomes worldwide.
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