To strengthen the fight against antibiotic resistance, the Executive Yuan has introduced a five-year action plan to manage the issue. Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Chou Jih-haw announced that, to implement education, guidance, and evaluation measures outlined in the plan, the Ministry has officially commissioned National Taiwan University Hospital to establish a national-level Antibiotic Resistance Prevention Center starting today. The center will begin conducting surveys on the current status of antibiotic resistance in hospitals and will invite both domestic and international experts to jointly review the issue in order to reduce health risks to the public.
Since 2009, the World Health Organization has designated May 5 as World Hand Hygiene Day. This year's theme, “It might be gloves. It’s always hand hygiene,” emphasizes that wearing gloves alone is not enough to ensure effective protection—proper hand hygiene is the key to preventing infection. In support of this initiative, NTU Hospital held a promotional event today titled “Hands Against Resistance: A New Battle Begins.”
NTU Hospital Superintendent Ming-Shiang Wu likened the fight against bacteria to a war without gunfire, with antibiotics serving as missiles that must hit their targets to be effective. However, beyond antibiotics, our immune system plays a crucial role in defense. True skill in this battle lies in preventing the enemy from entering in the first place. Proper handwashing acts as a barrier against microorganisms and bacteria, protecting not just oneself but others as well. Most importantly, it must become a habit—prevention is better than cure.
Wu stressed that many infections are spread via the hands, making hand hygiene especially critical for healthcare workers. Hospitals promote the "Five Moments for Hand Hygiene," which include: before patient contact, after patient contact, after contact with the patient’s surroundings, before aseptic procedures, and after exposure to infection risk. For the general public, the most important time to wash hands is before eating.
“If you don’t wash your hands properly, you’re at risk of infection,” Wu noted, citing recent norovirus outbreaks caused by inadequate hand hygiene and subsequent contact with the nose or food. While mask-wearing became a norm during the COVID-19 pandemic, failure to wash hands before eating—after removing masks—still leaves one vulnerable to infection. Therefore, both medical personnel and the public should practice diligent handwashing.
Wu further explained that antibiotics are life-saving drugs in the event of bacterial infection, but microorganisms evolve rapidly. Without proper antibiotic use, resistance can develop easily, so physicians must be cautious when prescribing them. Additionally, patients who visit multiple medical facilities—treating hospitals like markets—risk carrying different bacteria to different locations, potentially exacerbating antibiotic resistance within hospitals.
According to Jen-Tay Wang, director of NTU Hospital’s Infection Control Center, the resistance rate to the antibiotic vancomycin is around 50% hospital-wide. On average, approximately 30% of the hospital’s bacteria show resistance to antibiotics.
With a recent rise in COVID-19 cases, Wu stated that the virus is unlikely to disappear entirely and that the current focus should be on close monitoring. On an individual level, maintaining good hygiene habits and strengthening the immune system are essential. Wu shared his personal routine of always washing hands before meals and whenever they feel unclean, noting that this has become a part of his daily life. He also emphasized the importance of eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and maintaining a positive mindset to enhance immunity and reduce the risk of infection.
Resource: 醫院抗藥性細菌高達3成 台大醫院啟動國家級防治中心
