Millions dead by 2050 due to antimicrobial resistance — WHO

MANILA, Philippines — By 2050, some 10 million people globally are expected to die due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with some 4.5 million coming from the Asia Pacific, the World Health Organization (WHO) said yesterday.

In a statement, the WHO noted that AMR was one of the health issues raised during the 70th session of WHO Western Pacific Regional Office in Manila recently. 

The agency added that delegates “recognized that efforts to combat AMR need to be stepped up, as so-called superbugs – bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi that have become resistant to treatment – pose an ever-greater threat to the future.”

WHO cautioned that “without additional action,” an estimated 10 million people are expected to die due to AMR by 2050.

“AMR threatens to reverse hard-fought gains in fighting tuberculosis, malaria, HIV and many common infections as well as, broadly, the achievement of universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals,” the agency maintained.

During the meeting, health leaders also brought up concerns over hospital-acquired infections in some countries. 

Meanwhile, the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) yesterday reminded all of its personnel, especially those handling patients, to strictly observe handwashing to combat infection. 

According to PGH medical director Gerardo Legaspi, “90 percent of bacteria that is present in the hospital are on the surface, so it is easily transmittable by touching objects.”

Because of this, he said it is important for everyone, especially those dealing with patients, to observe precautionary measures like handwashing.

“So, everytime you touch something, a patient or bed of a patient, when you do your handwashing it eliminates the bacteria and you don’t carry it around,” he told reporters in line with the celebration of the Global Handwashing Day yesterday.

As part of the celebration, PGH offficials have spearheaded simultaneous washing of hands in their wards and outpatient clinics.