This is how to avoid a global superbug pandemic

COVID-19 is not in the rear view mirror yet, but we are fast approaching another devastating global public health crisis – antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Antibiotic overuse is a major culprit, with global consumption up 39% from 2000-2015.

This overuse is compounded by other factors including lack of education on infection control practices, inadequate access to testing and outbreak monitoring technologies, and insufficient data sharing policies. A dedicated, global response is required to address all of these shortcomings. 

The WHO is one of several organisations sounding the alarm bell. Antimicrobial  resistance has the potential to be even more deadly than COVID-19. It’s high time to take bold action to prevent the next global pandemic from spiralling out of control.