African Design Magazine ADM #43 August 2018 | Page 8

COPPER DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION AFRICA (COPPER ALLIANCE)
COPPER AND
ANTIMICROBIAL
RESISTANCE
The alarming trend in the rise of resistance to existing
antibiotics and the slow development of new antibiotics
will lead to disastrous consequences due to our eventual
inability to treat common infections effectively. The need for
more expensive second and third line antimicrobial agents
is increasing the cost of healthcare and hospital stays and
reducing quality of life.
Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI`s) is on the increase globally
and South Africa is no exception.
The most effective way of controlling AMR is the reduction
of infection and while hand hygiene and effective cleaning
protocols are invaluable, it needs all the help it can get.
Enter antimicrobial copper which has been clinically proven
to kill 21 different pathogens including TB. 80% of infection is
spread by touch and the installation of antimicrobial copper
alloy touch surfaces such as bedside tables, over bed tables
and IV stands can reduce the bio-burden by up to 83%.
Architects can assist with this fight against superbugs by
specifying copper alloys for door handles, push plates, grab
rails and other frequently touched surface.
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AFRICAN DESIGN MAGAZINE © | AUGUST 2018