The overuse of antibiotics is set to have devastating consequences for global health, with experts warning that routine medical procedures could become life-threatening due to the spread of drug-resistant bacteria.
Dame Sally Davies, former chief medical officer for England, told the Observer that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a severe threat to public health.
“About a million people die each year due to antimicrobial resistance, and this number will increase over the next 25 years”, she said. “It’s truly frightening”.
By 2050, AMR-related deaths are expected to double, with projections suggesting nearly 40 million people could die from superbugs over the next 25 years. The elderly are particularly vulnerable, with mortality rates among those over 70 having increased by 80% since 1990.
The challenge is compounded by the fact that approximately 70% of all antibiotics are administered to livestock, creating reservoirs where resistance can develop.
“We’re essentially dumping antibiotics into cattle, chickens and sheep as cheap alternatives instead of giving them growth medicines or taking precautions to prevent disease spread”, Davies explained.
Davies highlighted how resistant bacteria can spread through water systems and even air currents, demonstrating the global nature of the threat.
The problem is exacerbated by bacterial evolution, with bacteria able to multiply every 20 minutes and pass on resistance to other bacteria they encounter.
The development of new antibiotics has stalled since the late 1980s, partly due to lack of financial incentives for pharmaceutical companies.
Unlike daily medications for conditions such as high blood pressure or cancer treatments, antibiotics typically involve short treatment courses, making them less profitable to develop.
While the challenges are significant, Davies insists they are not insurmountable but require urgent attention and action in the coming year.
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