Antimicrobial Resistance Crisis ‘Happening Now,’ WHO’s Tedros Stresses at Jeddah Summit
- Date: 2024-11-15 12:00
- Source: Top Stories
Introduction
The world is facing an urgent crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a phenomenon in which bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites become resistant to antimicrobial drugs. This resistance makes infections harder to treat and can lead to prolonged illness, disability, and even death.
Tedros’ Warning
At the recent World Health Organization (WHO) summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued a dire warning about the AMR crisis. He stressed that the crisis is not a future threat but is “happening now.”
Dr. Tedros emphasized that AMR is not only a health concern but also a major economic and security threat. He stated, “AMR has the potential to destabilize health systems, push people into poverty, and even threaten global security.”
The Global Burden of AMR
The WHO estimates that AMR causes at least 700,000 deaths each year globally. This number is projected to rise to 10 million by 2050 if urgent action is not taken.
AMR is a particular concern for low- and middle-income countries, where healthcare systems are often weaker and there is greater reliance on antibiotic use. In these regions, AMR can lead to catastrophic outbreaks of infectious diseases.
Causes of AMR
The primary cause of AMR is the overuse and misuse of antimicrobial drugs. This includes:
- Taking antibiotics for viral infections, which are not effective
- Using antibiotics too often or for too short a time
- Not completing the full course of antibiotics
Other factors contributing to AMR include:
- Poor infection control practices in healthcare settings
- Agricultural use of antibiotics in livestock
- Environmental pollution
The Need for Urgent Action
Dr. Tedros called for urgent action to address the AMR crisis. He emphasized the need for:
- Increasing investment in research and development of new antimicrobial drugs
- Promoting responsible antibiotic use
- Improving infection control practices
- Reducing the use of antibiotics in livestock
Conclusion
The AMR crisis is a serious threat to global health and well-being. It requires urgent action from all stakeholders, including governments, healthcare professionals, industry, and the public. By working together, we can address this crisis and ensure that we have the tools we need to fight infectious diseases in the future.
Antimicrobial resistance crisis ‘happening now,’ WHO’s Tedros stresses at Jeddah summit
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