The Air Rescue Team of FEMERAID International informs all our members, Knights and Dames of the Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta, Federation of the Autonomous Priories (KMFAP) about the followings:
We are currently on “Antibiotic Week” to raise awareness about the misuse of antibiotics rather than promoting their use. Antibiotics have been instrumental in saving countless lives since their discovery in 1928 by Sir Alexander Fleming. Before the 20th century, infectious diseases caused widespread illness and death worldwide, with an average life expectancy at birth of only 47 years (46 years for men and 48 years for women). Today the average life expectancy is 73 years. During that time, infectious diseases such as smallpox, cholera, diphtheria, pneumonia, typhoid fever, plague, tuberculosis, typhus and syphilis were prevalent.
However, the excessive and unnecessary use of antibiotics presents a significant problem for humanity. According to the United Nations, superbugs and other forms of antimicrobial resistance could cause up to 10 million deaths annually, equivalent to the annual global death toll of cancer.
It is crucial that patients and physicians limit the use of antibiotics only when absolutely necessary, following the recommendations of the new antimicrobial resistance plan.
Keep safe and stay healthy!
15th November 2023
Dr. Nuno Gonçalo Cosmelli
Air Physician and Director of Air Rescue Service of FEMERAID International