Study warns superbugs could cause 39 million deaths by 2050

A new study projects that "superbugs," or drug-resistant bacteria, could cause over 39 million deaths by 2050, a nearly 70% increase from previous estimates. The research highlights the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally. The study, published in The Lancet, analyzed data from 204 countries between 1990 and 2021. It found that while deaths from AMR decreased for children under 5, they rose significantly for those aged 70 and older. Regions like South Asia and Latin America are expected to be most affected by AMR. The World Health Organization emphasizes the need for improved infection prevention and antibiotic use to combat this public health threat.