Tackling drug-resistant infections: from evidence to action

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest threats to the health of humans, animals, crops and the environment. It is a One Health issue which affects societies and economies worldwide. In 2016, the World Bank estimated that by 2050, AMR could result in 28 million people living in poverty, a 7.5% decline in global livestock production, a 3.8% reduction in global exports and $1tn in additional healthcare costs¹. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified AMR in the top 10 threats to global health.

Drug-resistant infections threaten global efforts to achieve many of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)²; and have gained significant visibility on the global political and public health agendas in recent years. From a human health perspective, a world without effective antimicrobials such as antibiotics would be an end to healthcare as we know it. The independent O’Neill Review estimated that 10 million people will die due to AMR by 2050 if nothing is done³, up to nine million of whom will be in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).