MORE than 39 million people could potentially die from antibiotic-resistant infections by 2050, according to a new global study published in The Lancet.
Conducted by the Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance Project, the study presents the first in-depth analysis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) trends from 1990 to 2021 and projects their impact on 204 countries through to 2050.
The study estimates that more than one million people died each year from AMR between 1990 and 2021.
By 2050, annual AMR-related deaths are predicted to increase by 70%, from 1.14 million in 2021 to 1.91 million.
Additionally, AMR is expected to play a role in 8.22 million deaths annually by mid-century.
The research shows a significant age-related shift in AMR mortality rates where deaths in children under five have decreased by 50% since 1990, but those aged 70 and older have increased by over 80%.
This trend is expected to continue, with deaths among older adults doubling by 2050.
AMR occurs when bacteria or other pathogens evolve to resist treatment by antibiotics, making infections harder to treat.
Improved access to healthcare and antibiotics could potentially save 92 million lives over the next 25 years, the study suggests.
Researchers emphasise the urgent need for new antibiotics, enhanced infection prevention, and more appropriate antibiotic use to mitigate AMR's growing threat.
"Antimicrobial resistance has been a significant global health threat for decades, and this threat is only increasing," said Dr Mohsen Naghavi, a lead author of the study.
"These findings underscore the need for decisive actions to save lives," said Dr Naghavi.
According to researchers, the study's findings offer a stark warning that without urgent action, antibiotic resistance could be responsible for millions more deaths globally in the coming decades. JG
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