How does antibiotic resistance impact global health?

Antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to global health by reducing the effectiveness of treatment for infectious diseases.

Antibiotic resistance is a naturally occurring phenomenon that happens when bacteria evolve in response to the use of medicines. The bacteria change in a way that reduces the effectiveness of drugs, chemicals, or other agents designed to cure or prevent infections. This means that antibiotics that were once effective in treating a certain type of infection may not work anymore, making it harder to treat various diseases.

The impact on global health is significant. According to the World Health Organization, antibiotic resistance leads to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs and increased mortality. It is estimated that by 2050, antibiotic resistance could cause 10 million deaths each year if no action is taken. This is more than the number of people who die from cancer currently.

Antibiotic resistance also threatens the achievements of modern medicine. Without effective antibiotics, the success of major surgery and cancer chemotherapy would be compromised. The ability to treat common infections, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and gonorrhoea, is also being reduced. This could lead to a situation where minor surgery and routine operations could become high risk due to the chance of an antibiotic-resistant infection.

Furthermore, antibiotic resistance is putting the gains of the Millennium Development Goals at risk and endangers achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. These goals, set by the United Nations, include ending the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other communicable diseases by 2030. Without effective antibiotics, treating these diseases becomes much more difficult.

In conclusion, antibiotic resistance is a serious global health issue that reduces the effectiveness of treatment for infectious diseases, increases healthcare costs and mortality rates, and threatens the success of modern medicine and global health initiatives.