Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs Could Result In 39 Million Deaths By 2050, New Research Warns
"We estimated that in 2050, there will be 1.91 million annual deaths attributable to AMR globally and 8.22 million annual deaths associated with AMR."
Days before the second high-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), experts released a grim forecast about the surge of superbug-related deaths over the next 25 years.
According to the Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) Project, there could be 39 million deaths directly attributed to AMR and 169 million deaths due to AMR-related causes.
The study was published in The Lancet after researchers combed through 520 million records across 204 countries and territories. They found that from 1990 to 2021, AMR-related deaths decreased by 60% in children aged five years and younger.
The hard-hit population was the elderly. While rigorous vaccination programs and infection control measures protected children, AMR-related deaths rose by 80% for adults aged 70 and older during the same period.
Their analysis showed that the elderly population will continue to suffer from these superbugs. However, everyone, regardless of age and location, is at risk of drug-resistant bacterial infections.
The United Nations Foundation Vice President for Global Health Strategy, Ahmed Ogwell, described antibiotic resistance as a "very silent pandemic." Low- to middle-income countries face a greater burden, as higher rates of AMR-related deaths have been documented in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that higher-income countries are slow to respond to emergent issues that largely impact their low- to middle-income counterparts. This study is not the first to raise the alarm about the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
In 2016, months before the first UNGA high-level meeting for AMR, researchers from Harvard's TH Chan School of Public Health shared their expertise during a Reddit question-and-answer forum.
HarvardChanSPHEven years ago, professors of immunology and infectious diseases, Sarah Fortune and Eric Rubin, were convinced that there were steps we could take individually...
HarvardChanSPH... the effort to curtail antibiotic resistance must be societal and systematic.
HarvardChanSPH
Dr. Michael Greger, a renowned nutritionist and founder of NutritionFacts.org, emphasizes the urgent need for public awareness regarding antibiotic resistance. He states that the overuse of antibiotics in agriculture and healthcare is a critical factor fueling the rise of superbugs. Greger suggests that shifting towards plant-based diets could reduce the demand for antibiotics, as livestock farming is a major contributor to AMR. By making informed food choices, individuals can play a role in combating this global health crisis.
Collaborative Global Efforts
Public health expert, Dr. Tom Frieden, former director of the CDC, underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing AMR. He argues that AMR knows no borders; thus, global strategies must be implemented. Frieden suggests that countries should share data on antibiotic use and resistance patterns to develop effective interventions. His work emphasizes the significance of a One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health, to create a comprehensive strategy against the rise of superbugs. This collaborative effort could significantly reduce the projected death toll from AMR.
Some countries across the European Union, like Norway, have taken steps to reduce their reliance on antimicrobials.
420dutchie, HarvardChanSPH
While progress may be slow, it aligns with their goal to curb the use of antimicrobials in the medical field by 2030.
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In 2016, global leaders signed a "watered-down" version of a declaration that was meant to signify their commitment to preventing human deaths from AMR.
HarvardChanSPH
The Role of Healthcare Systems
Dr. Andrew Weil, integrative medicine expert at drweil.com, points out that healthcare systems must reform their antibiotic prescribing practices to curb AMR. He advocates for improved training for healthcare professionals regarding the risks of unnecessary antibiotic use. Weil argues that implementing stricter guidelines and promoting alternative treatments can significantly reduce the incidence of AMR. Additionally, he highlights the importance of patient education to ensure that individuals understand when antibiotics are truly necessary.
The Lancet study still provided a glimmer of hope. The research indicated that several significant measures must be taken to prevent AMR-related deaths.
twerkmajostor
There must be better infection control, immunizations, and the development of new antibiotics if 92 million lives are to be saved by 2050.
HarvardChanSPH
Global cooperation is necessary. Given how most governments reacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, a miraculous and concentrated effort must be undertaken.
onemywaybackhome
Dr. Steven Gundry, a cardiologist and expert in health optimization, notes that the human microbiome plays a vital role in our overall health, including our ability to combat infections. He explains that a healthy gut flora can enhance immunity, making it more resilient against superbugs. By focusing on gut health through dietary changes, such as incorporating probiotics and prebiotics, individuals can fortify their immune systems. Gundry emphasizes that this proactive approach is essential in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Unfortunately, from a business standpoint, the development of new antibiotics is not profitable for large pharmaceuticals.
HarvardChanSPH
If profits are prioritized over human lives, The Lancet study might as well be carved in stone.
HarvardChanSPH
On an individual level, Fortune and Rubin encouraged people to be more discerning consumers. Whenever possible, it is important to select food items free from antibiotics.
The Lancet study serves as a warning to everyone. Governments must do all they can to protect the most vulnerable sectors of their population.
Moving Forward: Actionable Steps
Addressing antibiotic resistance is a multifaceted challenge that requires the cooperation of individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Experts like Dr. Michael Greger, Dr. Andrew Weil, and Dr. Steven Gundry provide valuable insights into the various avenues through which society can combat this pressing issue. By adopting healthier dietary practices, reforming prescribing habits, and fostering global collaboration, we can mitigate the impact of AMR. Ultimately, informed choices and proactive measures are essential in ensuring a healthier future, free from the threats posed by antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
