A recent report by the organization revealed that one in every six bacteriological infections verified in laboratories worldwide in 2023 showed resistance. The report explained that bacterial resistance to drugs is accelerating due to the excessive use of antibiotics in treating humans, animals, and in agriculture, making this phenomenon one of the leading global causes of death. Resistant germs directly cause nearly half a million deaths annually and contribute to approximately 5 million additional deaths.
The report observed a worrying increase in bacteria resistance to 22 types of antibiotics used to treat urinary tract, gastrointestinal, blood, and gonorrhea infections, with resistance increasing by over 40% between 2018 and 2021, at an annual rate ranging from 5 to 15%. Resistance to common antibiotics has reached a threshold of 30% globally in cases of urinary tract infections.
Most resistance cases are concentrated in regions with weak healthcare systems and low levels of monitoring. The organization called for strengthening global efforts to combat this escalating threat, emphasizing the necessity to improve antibiotic management and develop new treatments to address this global health crisis.
