Antimicrobial resistance: a silent threat to our future

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is seen as a growing, albeit silent, global threat. As bacteria, fungi and parasites evolve to no longer respond to well-established drugs, they present new risks: infections may become increasingly harder to treat and spread more difficult to control. In 2019, AMR was associated with nearly 5 million deaths worldwide, a number that is expected to rise.¹

Bacterial infections and resultant antibiotic resistance present one of the more pressing challenges to humanity. AMR occurs naturally as organisms genetically evolve and adapt. However, an accelerated spread of resistance in the past decades has been attributed by scientists to over- and misuse of antibiotics in both humans and animals. Not completing a course of antibiotics, or taking them for the wrong reasons, are two leading causes. This has been further exacerbated by poor infection prevention and control practices, particularly in health facilities, and limited knowledge of the risks of AMR.

The higher the frequency of antibiotics used, the more likely the emergence of resistant bacterial species. Over time, there has also been an increasing prevalence of “superbugs”, a growing category of bacteria resistant to multiple or all antimicrobials. Globalisation fosters cross-border movement, which in turn contributes to disease spread, as seen with COVID-19.

AMR’s impact varies globally, with sub-Saharan Africa heavily affected, and North Africa and the Middle East less so. In the Americas, about 569 000 deaths are linked to AMR, accounting for two-fifths of infection-related deaths – countries that are notably impacted include Haiti, Bolivia, Guatemala, Guyana, and Honduras. In India an estimated 300 000 to 1 million died as a result of bacterial AMR in 2019.

AMR across India

The country has become a hotspot for the emergence of resistance, and this paper investigates how this has come about. The reasons are many, including over-use of antibiotics. Download the report below to read more.