Senegalese scientists develop a phone app to help fight antimicrobial resistance

Senegalese scientists have developed a mobile app that could help medics across the globe combat the growing antimicrobial resistance catastrophe.

The overuse of antibiotics for minor health problems or misjudged prescriptions are driving a surge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) worldwide, leading to more and more incurable “superbugs”.

According to landmark estimates published in January, at least 1.27 million people died due to resistant infections in 2019 alone. The problem is particularly acute in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where there is patchy surveillance and under-resourced doctors prescribe the antibiotics to patients that are not fit for purpose.