Global drug-resistant infections threaten millions: UN Report

A sobering report released by the United Nations (UN) warns of an impending global crisis as deaths from drug-resistant infections are projected to high from the sky. The report, "Bracing for Superbugs: Strengthening environmental action in the One Health response to antimicrobial resistance," highlights the urgent need for strong action to combat this growing threat.

According to the reports, the UN research estimates that 1.27 million fatalities globally in 2019 alone were directly attributable to drug-resistant infections, surpassing the mortality toll from major illnesses like HIV/AIDS and malaria. Sadly, 4.95 million dead were associated with bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR), giving a bleak picture of the current state of circumstances.

Antibiotic-resistant illnesses might kill up to 10 million people within three decades if they are not controlled; emulate the death toll from cancer in 2020. Although the crisis will have an impact everywhere, it is anticipated that Low-Income Countries (LICs) and Lower-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) would be most hit in 2050 , with Asia (4,730,000) and Africa (4,150,000)estimated to have the greatest rate of AMR-related fatalities per population.

However, the paper also emphasizes the possible economic repercussions, thus the effects go beyond the loss of human life. Within the next ten years, failure to solve this problem could lead to a startling $3.4 trillion yearly GDP gap. Additionally, an extra 24 million people may fall into extreme poverty, escalating social disparities.

Hence, Women, children, migrants, and refugees, those working in the health department or farming industries, and people living in poverty are all vulnerable populations that will be more likely to contract diseases that are resistant to treatment. The study emphasizes the urgent need for all-encompassing action on several fronts, including bolstering environmental regulations and putting into practice a One Health strategy that takes into account human, animal, and environmental health.

Experts from UN, highlight that in order to solve this international health concern, rapid action is essential. The improvement and implementation of successful antimicrobial resistance management programs need cooperation between governments, international organizations, and the corporate sector.

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World