The World Health Organisation (WHO) has sounded a fresh alarm over the rapid rise in global antibiotic resistance, warning that one in six laboratory-confirmed bacterial infections is now caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
In a new global analysis covering 22 commonly used antibiotics, the WHO revealed that resistance increased in more than 40 percent of cases between 2018 and 2023 rising by five to 15 percent annually, depending on the bacterial antibiotic combination.
The findings, drawn from 23 million data points across more than 100 countries, mark the first comprehensive quantification of the problem.
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According to Yvan Hutin, a Director at WHO, “Antimicrobial resistance is widespread and threatening the future of modern medicine.”
The organisation noted that antibiotic resistance contributes to millions of deaths each year, with the impact most severe in regions with weaker health systems. In South-East Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean, one in three reported infections is already resistant to the antibiotics studied.
WHO data also shows that 7.7 million people died from bacterial infections in 2021, with 1.1 million deaths directly linked to antibiotic resistance.
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The global health body is urging increased research investment and the development of new antibiotics to prevent a potential post-antibiotic era where common infections become untreatable.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
