Global health crisis looms as antimicrobial resistance threatens to double death rates: Experts warn superbugs could claim 40 million lives in 25 years without urgent global action to curb Antibiotic Emergency and foster innovation
The world is teetering on the edge of an antibiotic emergency that could claim 40 million lives over the next quarter century, according to Dame Sally Davies, former chief medical officer for England. Speaking to The Observer, she warned that the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is transforming routine surgeries, childbirth, and other medical procedures into potentially life-threatening events.
“About a million people die every year due to antimicrobial resistance, and this figure is expected to double by 2050,” Davies said. “It is really scary.”
Elderly at Greater Risk as AMR Deaths Surge
Recent data reveal a troubling trend: while AMR-related deaths in children under five are declining, mortality rates among people over 70 have soared by 80% since 1990. With aging populations and increasing chronic diseases, more individuals are vulnerable to infections that current antibiotics can no longer combat effectively.
Farming Fuels the Superbug Crisis
The overuse of antibiotics in agriculture is exacerbating the crisis. Around 70% of antibiotics globally are given to livestock, fostering environments where resistant bacteria can thrive. These bacteria often spread to humans via contaminated water, air, and food.
“We’re essentially throwing antibiotics at cows, chickens, and sheep to promote growth or prevent disease,” said Davies. “This practice allows microbes to evolve, creating resistance that spreads worldwide.”
Intensive farming, poor sewage systems in hospitals, and contaminated waterways are accelerating this spread. Winds can carry resistant bacteria across regions, highlighting the pervasive nature of this threat.
A Broken System: Why New Antibiotics Aren’t Being Developed
While the misuse of existing antibiotics is alarming, an equally pressing issue is the lack of new antibiotics. The pharmaceutical industry has not introduced a new class of antibiotics since the late 1980s.
“The market model is broken,” Davies explained. “Developing a new antibiotic is not profitable for pharmaceutical companies because it might only be used sparingly. In contrast, drugs for chronic conditions like blood pressure or cancer generate consistent profits.”
Urgent Action Needed
Despite the challenges, Davies insists the problem is solvable with global cooperation and urgency. The G7 has acknowledged the AMR crisis, but concrete action remains inadequate.
“Time is running out. We need to address this as an absolute priority,” she said.
What You Can Do
- Avoid demanding antibiotics for viral infections like colds.
- Complete prescribed antibiotic courses to prevent resistance.
- Support policies promoting responsible antibiotic use in farming.
As the threat of superbugs looms larger, governments, industries, and individuals must unite to preserve the antibiotics we have and foster innovation for new treatments.
The fight against superbugs requires collective effort and innovation to preserve the effectiveness of life-saving antibiotics for future generations.
Join our Channel...