Drug-resistant infections cause 1 million deaths yearly, WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that drug-resistant bacterial infections kill about one million people worldwide every year. They are calling for action across human, animal, food, and environmental sectors to fight this growing threat.

Jean-Pierre Nyemazi, Acting Director of the AMR Department at WHO Headquarters, shared this information at a virtual media conference. This conference was linked to an exhibition at the European Parliament focusing on AMR and its effects on humans.

The virtual conference took place before the exhibition titled “AMR: The Human Stories Behind a Silent Pandemic.” This exhibition runs from 28 September to 2 October and showcases stories of people affected by AMR in Europe.

“AMR is taking many lives. One million people die every year due to drug-resistant bacteria alone, that is, two people every minute die of bacterial AMR,” Mr Nyemazi explained.

He emphasized that the number of deaths means that AMR should not be seen as a “silent pandemic.” He added, “we know what works” to prevent and control the threat.

“Preventing infections is the number one priority. This can be done through better vaccination, infection prevention and control, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and improved animal husbandry,” he said.

“All of these work and can prevent AMR.” Mr Nyemazi also mentioned that strengthening surveillance, responsible use of antimicrobials, access to quality medicines and diagnostics, and reducing environmental pollution could help.

“The tools exist, and the evidence is there, but the cost of inaction is rising. The longer we delay action, the higher the cost becomes,” he warned.

He pointed out that the One Health approach is crucial. This approach recognizes the connections between human, animal, plant, and environmental health since drug-resistant germs can spread across these areas.

According to him, parliamentarians have a key role in making sure that national AMR commitments have laws, funding, and accountability to back them.

“The media also plays an important role. Journalists help bring AMR out of scientific circles and into public debate,” he said.

“They raise awareness, fight misinformation, and ensure that AMR stays visible to decision-makers and the public.”

Mr Nyemazi noted that WHO Member States approved an updated Global Action Plan on AMR at the World Health Assembly in May. This plan provides a framework for fighting AMR over the next 10 years using a One Health approach.

He said the updated plan focuses more on prevention, governance, behavioral change, and clear targets. The four Quadripartite organizations worked together to create it.

These organizations include the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), WHO, and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

“What is new about the updated Global Action Plan on AMR for the next 10 years is that it is truly multi-sectoral, a genuine One Health plan.