Pigs can pass deadly superbugs to people, study reveals
GuardianJUN 2022
As the research clearly shows, antimicrobial resistance, or AMR, is a serious health problem all over the world. The researchers paint different scenarios: If politicians and health authorities fail to take effective measures against AMR, such as enhancing the quality of health care, developing new potent antibiotic drugs to target resistant pathogens, and utilizing other resources to reduce and treat infections, we could face a serious threat that will particularly impact the aging population. With proper measures, the future doesn't need to be as dark as some of the data in this research suggest.
AMR threatens global health and development. Antibiotic misuse and overuse are the main causes of drug-resistant pathogens in humans, animals, and plants. This has resulted in millions of AMR deaths each year. Poverty and inequality exacerbate the widespread issue. AMR risks routine medical procedures and treatments. WHO anticipates significant human and economic costs, and it could add US$1 trillion in healthcare costs by 2050 and even more in GDP losses as early as 2030. This is a call to action to step up efforts to combat AMR.
There is a 49% chance the number of deaths from antibiotic-resistant infections per year will double by December 31, 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.