By Samaila Emmanuel
A recent global analysis has revealed a disturbing projection: nearly 40 million people may die from drug-resistant superbugs by 2050. These superbugs, or antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, have become increasingly resistant to antibiotics, making them harder to treat. The analysis, published in The Lancet journal, tracked the global impact of superbugs over time and estimated future consequences.
The Rising Threat of Superbugs
More than a million people die annually from superbugs, with deaths among children under five decreasing by over 50% in the last three decades due to improved infection prevention and control measures. However, when children contract superbugs, infections are now more challenging to treat. In contrast, deaths among people over 70 have surged by over 80% due to increased vulnerability to infection.
Researchers predict a 67% rise in direct deaths from antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by 2050, reaching nearly two million annual deaths. Additionally, AMR will contribute to 8.2 million annual deaths, a 75% increase. This scenario would result in 39 million direct deaths and 169 million total deaths over the next quarter century.
Rising AMR rates will have far-reaching consequences, undermining modern medicine’s effectiveness
However, less dire scenarios are possible. Improving care for severe infections and access to antimicrobial drugs could save 92 million lives by 2050. The study analyzed 22 pathogens, 84 drug-pathogen combinations, and 11 infectious syndromes, utilizing data from 520 million individual records across 204 countries and territories.
Experts warn that rising AMR rates will have far-reaching consequences, undermining modern medicine’s effectiveness. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans, animals, and plants have exacerbated the problem. A high-level AMR meeting at the United Nations on September 26 is considered a critical moment in the fight against superbugs.
