Summary
Experts at the Davos summit warned that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) could become a more significant threat than cancer by 2050. They expressed concern that this issue is not receiving enough attention from global leaders. AMR could lead to an increase in deaths if not addressed urgently through global coordination and public health policy changes.
Key Facts
- AMR is when bacteria change over time and become resistant to antibiotics, making infections harder to treat.
- Experts at Davos cautioned that AMR could become deadlier than cancer by 2050.
- Vanina Laurent Ledru emphasized AMR as the "next pandemic" and warned of public mistrust.
- Peter Sands stated that an AMR pandemic is "guaranteed to happen" and is already occurring.
- Speakers at Davos noted that AMR is not discussed enough by global leaders.
- Potential solutions include using phage-based medicines, which are natural predators of bacteria.
- Addressing AMR involves not only new drugs but also better public health measures like hygiene practices.
- Cancer cases are rising, with 30.5 million new cases expected by 2050, but AMR might outpace cancer as a cause of death.
