Silent Pandemic: Antimicrobial Resistance Poses Global Health, Economic Threat – WHO

WHO Warns: Antimicrobial Resistance Is a Silent Pandemic

Global Health Threat: Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial Resistance: Urgent Call to Combat a Silent Crisis

BY SHEKWOPEYELO

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), often referred to as a “silent pandemic,” is rapidly emerging as one of the most critical global health threats. Moreover, the implications extend beyond healthcare, affecting economies, food security, and overall development.

Dr. Chavan Laxmikant, a Technical Officer at the World Health Organization (WHO) Nigeria, addressed these concerns during a recent training initiative aimed at empowering journalists to share data-driven health stories. He warned that AMR is no longer a distant threat; instead, it is actively destabilizing health systems and economies worldwide.

In fact, in 2019, drug-resistant bacterial infections led to approximately 4.95 million deaths globally, with 1.27 million of these directly attributed to AMR. Vulnerable populations, particularly children under five and the elderly, are disproportionately affected. For instance, 20% of AMR-related deaths occur in young children.

Furthermore, the economic fallout from AMR is staggering. According to WHO estimates, if left unaddressed, AMR could reduce global GDP by up to 3.8% by 2030, thereby pushing an additional 28 million people into extreme poverty. Low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria, which recorded 64,500 AMR-related deaths in 2019, face the most severe consequences, including skyrocketing healthcare costs and increased poverty.

Dr. Chavan emphasized the urgency of addressing AMR, noting that deaths from AMR now exceed those from tuberculosis, malaria, and cardiovascular diseases in Nigeria. Additionally, the West African region reports alarming AMR mortality rates, with 27.3 deaths per 100,000 people annually, significantly above the global average of 16.4.

Moreover, AMR’s impact extends beyond human health; it threatens agricultural productivity and food security, particularly in low-resource settings. For example, drug-resistant infections in livestock jeopardize food supplies, thus contributing to global hunger and economic instability.

To tackle AMR effectively, Dr. Chavan underscored the importance of coordinated action to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to health, poverty reduction, and economic growth. Without immediate action, AMR risks reversing years of developmental progress and leaving millions vulnerable.

In closing, Dr. Chavan urged global collaboration, calling on governments, healthcare providers, and communities to act quickly against this silent pandemic. He highlighted the critical need for research into new antibiotics, stronger healthcare systems, and enhanced public awareness to combat the rise of drug-resistant infections.