WHO warns about surge in spread of drug-resistant superbugs

One in 6 bacterial infections globally shows resistance to antibiotic treatments: Agency

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Bacteria have long developed resistance against medicines designed to fight them, rendering many drugs useless. Antimicrobial-resistant superbugs directly cause over a million deaths and contribute to nearly five million deaths every year, according to the World Health Organisation. PHOTOS: ST FILE, REUTERS

(ST FILE REUTERS)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Oct 13 sounded the alarm over soaring numbers of drug-resistant bacterial infections, which compromise the effectiveness of lifesaving treatments and render minor injuries and common infections potentially deadly.

The United Nations' health agency warned that one in six laboratory-confirmed bacterial infections worldwide in 2023 showed resistance to antibiotic treatments.

"These findings are deeply concerning," Dr Yvan J-F. Hutin, head of WHO's antimicrobial resistance department, told reporters.

"As antibiotic resistance continues to rise, we’re running out of treatment options, and we're putting lives at risk."

Bacteria have long developed resistance against medicines designed to fight them, rendering many drugs useless.