10 million people may die globally from Antimicrobial resistance – WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that 10 million deaths might be recorded per year globally from Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) effective from 2050, if not checked.

The WHO Country Representative, Wondimagegnehu Alemu, gave the warning in a paper he presented at 2nd National Summit in Abuja on Thursday.

The summit has as its theme: ‘Antimicrobial resistance; a global health challenge in the fight for sustainable health system.’

AMR occurs when micro-organism such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change in ways that render the medications used to cure the infections ineffective.

Represented by Omotayo Hamza, WHO, Head of Health Technical and Innovation, Mr Alemu said most of the deaths would be recorded in Africa and Asia.

He said four million of this estimated figure would occur in Africa while another four million would be recorded in Asia.

He added that the rest countries of the world would share the remaining two million deaths.

According to him, the problem of this AMR is huge in Nigeria based on the various survey conducted so far.

The WHO representative said ineffective regulations of all aspects of the health services are responsible for AMR.

He explained that quackery in all health professions were the main contributor to the problem that had resulted to AMR.

“We have quacks around cities; we have quack doctors, quack medical laboratory scientists and fake pharmacists.

“If there is a wrong diagnosis from lab scientists, the doctor will prescribe wrong medication and the pharmacists dispense wrong drugs” he said.

– NAN