The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved a new Global Action Plan covering the years 2026-2036 in the context of the rapid increase in antibiotic resistance.
According to WHO, in 2023, one in six cases of the most common bacterial infections was resistant to antibiotic treatment.
Based on research, in 2021, 4.71 million deaths were associated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Scientists warn that if urgent measures are not taken, this figure could reach 39 million by 2050.
It is reported that currently more than 40 percent of antibiotics are partially or completely ineffective against widespread diseases such as blood, intestinal, and urinary tract infections.
One of the points causing special concern is the spread of drug-resistant "E.coli" and "Klebsiella pneumoniae" bacteria. These microorganisms can cause severe infections, including sepsis, and deaths. According to information, more than 40 percent of "E.coli" strains and 55 percent of "Klebsiella pneumoniae" strains are resistant to third-generation cephalosporins, which are among the main treatment options.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the increase in antibiotic resistance has become a serious threat to global health. According to him, solving the problem depends on infection prevention, early diagnosis, and the development of new antibiotics.
The new action plan aims to reduce deaths related to antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections by 10 percent by 2030.
Experts emphasize the importance of taking antibiotics only by doctor’s prescription, warning that self-medication can lead to dangerous consequences./publika.az