A global study warns that antibiotic resistance could cause 39 million deaths by 2050, with South Asia facing the highest toll. Improved healthcare and antibiotic access could save millions of lives.

A global analysis published in The Lancet revealed that over a million people died annually due to antibiotic resistance between 1990 and 2021, with more than 39 million projected to die from antibiotic-resistant infections by 2050. The highest future death toll is expected in South Asia, including India, where 11.8 million deaths are forecast.

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria and fungi evolve, rendering treatments ineffective. Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) Project researchers warned that deaths will also rise in southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

While deaths from antibiotic resistance among children under five have dropped by 50%, the elderly face an 80% increase. Improved healthcare and antibiotic access could save 92 million lives by 2050. Based on data from 520 million people across 204 countries, the analysis emphasized the urgency of tackling antimicrobial resistance to prevent a global health crisis.

(Source:https://www.deccanherald.com/science/antibiotic-resistance-estimated-to-claim-over-39-million-lives-in-next-25-years-lancet-study-3193624 )