WHO Warns of Rising Antimicrobial Resistance Threats at Global Summit in Abuja

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which it calls one of the biggest public health threats today. At a summit in Abuja, Nigeria, WHO officials reported that AMR was linked to over 4.7 million deaths in 2021. They urged governments to take immediate and effective action to address this crisis.

AMR occurs when bacteria become resistant to medications designed to treat infections. This problem is worsened by the overuse of antibiotics, poor sanitation, and environmental pollution. WHO officials emphasized that these deaths are not just numbers; they represent real people affected by this issue.

The warnings come ahead of the World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, which is set for November 18 to 24. The theme for this year is “One Health, One Action: Prevent AMR Now.” Dr. Jean-Pierre Nyemazi from WHO described AMR as both a health emergency and a threat to development, affecting not just human health but also animal and environmental health.

Despite global commitments to reduce AMR-related deaths by 10% by 2030, WHO officials noted that actual progress has been slow. They identified challenges such as inadequate funding and poor coordination among countries. The upcoming Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR, scheduled for December 6 to 8 in Abuja, aims to address these issues and renew political commitments.

Dr. Kefas Samson from WHO highlighted the need for stronger country-level actions to bridge the gap between promises and real progress. He pointed out that many countries lack proper funding and surveillance systems to effectively combat AMR.

In addition to human health, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned that antibiotic use in livestock could increase significantly by 2040 if preventive measures are not taken. They emphasized that improving animal health practices could greatly reduce the need for antibiotics.

Environmental concerns were also addressed, with calls for better management of pollution and waste to combat AMR. Experts stressed that tackling environmental factors is essential for a comprehensive response to AMR.