Superbugs: A Silent Threat to Millions

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat, with a projected 39 million deaths from antibiotic-resistant infections over the next 25 years.

AMR occurs when bacteria or other pathogens evolve to the point where antibiotics are no longer effective against them, often due to overuse of antibiotics in medicine, animal farming, and crop farming.

While AMR is a global problem, it disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, where access to antibiotics is limited and bacterial infections are more common.

A new study estimates that by 2050, there could be 1.91 million deaths directly from AMR and 6.31 million deaths from AMR-related causes.

The study also found that AMR-related deaths fell by 60% among children under 5 from 1990 to 2021, but surged by 80% for adults 70 and older.

To combat AMR, experts call for better infection control, widespread immunizations, the development of new antibiotics, and minimizing the use of antibiotics when not necessary.

Individuals can also take steps to protect themselves from AMR, such as washing hands, getting vaccinated, and avoiding overuse of antibiotics.

Global leaders are expected to sign off on a political commitment to curb human deaths from AMR at the United Nations General Assembly next week.

Despite progress in reducing antimicrobial use in some countries, more needs to be done to address the threat of AMR, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.