The majority of antibiotics in parts of eastern Europe may be circulating without prescriptions, according to an alarming new investigation.
The World Health Organization found that two thirds of people in 14 countries last used antibiotics obtained without prescription.
About a third of people used leftover antibiotics from previous courses or obtained them over the counter.
In the survey, half the respondents said they had used antibiotics in the last year. The majority believed, incorrectly, they work against viruses. The survey was undertaken in countries of south-east Europe and the Caucasus, excluding Ukraine and Russia.
WHO said the number is at least three times previous estimates. The survey was published during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week.
WHO regional adviser on controlling antimicrobial resistance Dr Danilo Lo Fo Wong said: “Without collective action, we can expect a future in which otherwise treatable illnesses, such as urinary tract infections, could once again become untreatable and procedures such as surgeries or chemotherapy too dangerous to perform.”
* More than 300 scientists are to help WHO update its list of high risk pathogens that could cause major outbreaks and pandemics, WHO has announced.
The scientists will review evidence on more than 25 virus families and some bacteria as well as a hypothetical unknown disease, disease X.
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