This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Valentina Orsi is a third-year student at the Faculty of Health Sciences of Barretos Dr. Paulo Prata – FACISB. 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 has emerged as one of the greatest threats to global health, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), which warns that infections once easily treatable may become untreatable if no collective action is taken. Although deeply rooted in biology, this phenomenon reflects social inequalities, structural failures in public health systems, and behaviors that span various sectors of society.
The indiscriminate use of antibiotics remains at the center of this issue. Bacteriologist Ana Paula Assef, from the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (Fiocruz), emphasizes that resistance develops when “sensitive bacteria are eliminated, while resistant ones persist and multiply,” noting that misuse—whether through self-medication, inadequate prescription, or premature interruption of treatment—accelerates this process. Thus, resistance is not a matter of chance, but rather the outcome of human practices that favor the selection of microorganisms that are harder to treat.
In hospitals, the situation becomes even more complex. Invasive procedures increase the risk of infections, demanding intensified use of antimicrobials. In institutions with insufficient investment in infection control, resistant bacteria spread more easily, prolonging hospital stays, increasing costs, and deepening inequalities. These effects disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, revealing that antimicrobial resistance also mirrors broader social asymmetries.
Given this scenario, the WHO stresses that confronting antimicrobial resistance depends on coordinated actions such as the rational use of antibiotics, rigorous infection prevention practices, and structured investments in surveillance and in the development of new therapies. These guidelines align with recommendations from Fiocruz, which highlights the importance of professional training, rapid diagnostics, and strengthened biosafety practices within healthcare institutions.
Therefore, combating antibiotic resistance goes beyond choosing the correct treatment: it involves promoting equity, expanding access to healthcare, and shaping collective and integrated responses. Preserving the effectiveness of these medications means safeguarding dignity, the future, and life for generations to come. It is a struggle that demands awareness, responsibility, and cooperation across all sectors of society.
References
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION. Antimicrobial resistance. Geneva: WHO. Disponível em: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance. Acesso em: 28 nov. 2025.
PESQUISADORA fala sobre a resistência causada pelo uso indiscriminado de antibióticos. Portal Fiocruz. Disponível em: https://portal.fiocruz.br/noticia/pesquisadora-fala-sobre-resistencia-causada-pelo-uso-indiscriminado-de-antibioticos. Acesso em: 28 nov. 2025.
About the author
Valentina Orsi is a third-year student at the Faculty of Health Sciences of Barretos Dr. Paulo Prata – FACISB. She coordinates SCORP, the Standing Committee on Human Rights and Peace, where she works to promote equity, advocacy, and human rights within medical training. She is also a member of IFMSA Brazil, participating in projects focused on public health and community engagement.
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