The United States is leading global public health efforts to address the threat of antibiotic resistance, but Americans must also do their part, HHS Secretary Alex Azar and CDC Director Robert Redfield, MD, wrote in an op-ed for STAT.
The leaders say federal efforts to combat antibiotic resistance show some progress. Deaths from antibiotic-resistant infections have fallen 18 percent since 2013, according to the CDC's 2019 AR Threats Report.
However, new antibiotic resistance threats are "constantly emerging," and more work needs to be done, according to Mr. Azar and Dr. Redfield.
"The U.S. will take swift public health action to save lives, but everyone must join us in waging this war," they wrote. "Use antibiotics only as your doctor or veterinarian prescribes. Keep your hands clean, cover wounds, and get recommended vaccines with confidence. Prepare food safely. Use safe sex practices."
To read the full op-ed, click here.