Study predicts drug-resistant infections could kill 40 million by 2050

A new study predicts that drug-resistant infections, known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), could lead to nearly 40 million deaths by 2050. This marks a significant increase from 1.14 million deaths in 2021. The study shows that while AMR deaths among children under 5 are expected to halve, deaths among those aged 70 and older could more than double. The overall trend indicates a steady rise in AMR-related deaths if no action is taken. Global leaders will meet at the United Nations next week to discuss a political declaration aimed at addressing AMR. This follows a previous decline in AMR deaths during the Covid-19 pandemic, which researchers believe was temporary.