Global ‘superdrug’ to tackle resistance

In a global effort to tackle drug resistant superbugs, a project called The Global Burden of Disease AMR (antimicrobial resistance) has been launched. Over the next four years, it will see researchers gather data on the spread of antimicrobial resistance around the world.

England’s chief medical officer, 6

Sally Davies, urged world leaders to tackle the growing threat of antibiotic resistance at a recent conference in Berlin. Huge strides have been made – but tangible action has been far too slow.

“We need to up the ante,” she said. “If we are to target efforts effectively, we need to know where the problems are so as not to undermine global progress.

“New approaches to convene global experts are crucial and provide some much needed direction.”

By 2050, an estimated 10 million 6

lives a year will be at risk from drug resistant infections, with economic costs reaching $100trillion, according to a report published last year. In 2016, the UN recognised drug resistant infections as one of the greatest threats facing humanity. And last month, the World Health Organization warned the world was running out of antibiotics, as drug development had failed to keep up with the rise of resistance.

The UK Government will spend 6

£117m on research into antimicrobial resistance, and £2.7m to increase awareness of resistance and to reduce patients’ expectations for antibiotics. The UK has spent more than £615m on tackling drug resistant infections since 2013.

Jeremy Farrar, Wellcome Trust director, said, “Political and societal recognition of the threat superbugs pose has increased. But progress is fragile. There is no doubt that we can stop the superbugs, but the impact and the time to act is now.”