Superbugs could cause 40 million deaths by 2050

In partnership with

New research published in The Lancet warns that superbugs, which are becoming increasingly resistant to treatments, could result in up to 40 million deaths globally between now and 2050. This extensive study, described as the first comprehensive evaluation of the global threat posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR), predicts that AMR will be linked to 169 million deaths over this period.

The research indicates that over a million people worldwide have died from AMR each year from 1990 to 2021. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), AMR occurs when microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and become resistant to medications. This resistance makes infections more difficult to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. As a result, treatments become ineffective, allowing infections to persist and spread.

We put your money to work

Betterment’s financial experts and automated investing technology are working behind the scenes to make your money hustle while you do whatever you want.

Learn more

While AMR-related deaths among children under five have decreased by more than 50% since 1990, there has been an over 80% increase in deaths among individuals aged 70 and older, as reported by the study. The researchers project that, without effective intervention, AMR-related deaths will continue to rise by 2050.

The study also estimates that 1.91 million people could die directly from AMR in 2050, with a total of approximately 8.22 million deaths potentially attributed to AMR globally by that year.

To address the escalating issue of AMR, the researchers emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach. This includes improving infection prevention, increasing vaccination efforts, reducing inappropriate antibiotic use in both agriculture and human medicine, and investing in the development of new antibiotics.

The researchers stress that given the significant variability in AMR impacts across different regions and age groups, targeted interventions are crucial to reducing the anticipated number of AMR-related deaths by 2050.