“… In our local situation in Brunei Darussalam, Alhamdulillah, I am pleased to say that so far, to date, there has not been any report of multi drug resistant tuberculosis or MDR-TB. Our TB laboratory routinely test for antimicrobial sensitivity and have not found MDR-TB. However there have been reports of TB resistant to one drug i.e mono-drug resistance, for which patients were given another anti-TB medication which they are sensitive to. Therefore we cannot afford to remain complacent and must remain vigilant at all times so that the situation does not lead to the emergence of MDR-TB in Brunei Darussalam…”

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“… As for Malaria and AIDS or HIV, again Alhamdulillah Brunei Darussalam has had no reported cases of drug resistance. Fortunately, all our cases have been responsive to treatment but again I must emphasise, that we must monitor the situation closely and put in place the implement policies, processes and procedures so that Brunei will remain drug resistant free in these diseases, in the years to come…”

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“… Patients and the general public need to understand that antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. They are of no use against viral infections – such as influenza and the common cold. Even the overuse and the irrational use of the antiviral Tamiflu in influenza can cause resistance. At the same time, once antibiotics have been prescribed, the patient must strictly follow the instructions given to them in taking the antibiotic as directed by their doctor, and to complete the whole course of medication…”