Lack of access to antibiotics driving spread of superbugs, finds research

A new study reveals that less than 7% of people with severe drug-resistant infections in poorer countries receive the antibiotics they need, contributing to rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR), The Guardian reported.

The research, led by the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GardP) and published in Lancet Infectious Diseases, analyzed data from eight countries including Bangladesh, India, Kenya, and Mexico.

In 2019, there were an estimated 1.5 million carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative infections and nearly 480,000 related deaths across these nations, yet only about 104,000 antibiotic courses effective against these infections were procured. Access ranged from 0.2% in Kenya to 14.9% in Mexico and Egypt.

Dr. Jennifer Cohn of GardP emphasized that lack of access not only increases mortality but may also drive AMR by prolonging ineffective antibiotic use. She called for urgent global action similar to efforts made for HIV treatment access, urging a dual focus on innovation and equitable distribution worldwide. Experts warn that failing to address this gap will worsen the global health crisis posed by drug-resistant infections.