As superbugs spread across the globe, death rates from antimicrobial resistance are set to double, says England’s former chief medical officer

Summary

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) could claim 40 million lives by 2050, with death rates expected to double, warns Dame Sally Davies, former chief medical officer for England.

The overuse of antibiotics in livestock and misuse in healthcare are accelerating the evolution of superbugs, making routine medical procedures riskier.

Elderly populations are especially vulnerable, with AMR-related deaths among over-70s rising 80% since 1990.

Efforts to limit antibiotic use and develop new treatments are hampered by poor incentives for pharmaceutical companies.

    • Drusas@fedia.io
      4·
      4 days ago

      It’s more the fault of the agricultural industry than the medical industry.