Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections already claim more than one million lives every year, and the threat is accelerating rapidly. A new study from the Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) Project) projects a dangerous future: from 2025 to 2050, more than 39 million deaths could be directly caused by bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
By 2050, the annual global death toll from drug-resistant bacteria may reach 1.91 million, while deaths where resistance plays a contributing role could rise to 8.22 million per year.
Older Adults Will Face the Highest Risk
The burden of antibiotic resistance is not evenly distributed across age groups.
- Individuals aged 70 and older will face the most severe impact.
- Deaths in this age group grew by over 80% between 1990 and 2021.
- This number is expected to increase sharply by 2050 as both populations and infections rise.
Improvements Seen in Children Under Five
The study offers one encouraging trend:
- Deaths in children under five due to antibiotic resistance have dropped by more than 50% since 1990.
- This progress is largely attributed to better infection prevention, expanded vaccination programmes, and improved public health measures.
Without Urgent Action, the Crisis Will Escalate
Experts warn that current projections could become reality unless governments and health systems act now. Key steps include:
- Strengthening diagnostics for early and accurate infection detection
- Curbing unnecessary antibiotic use in humans and livestock
- Accelerating new antibiotic development
- Expanding access to timely medical care, especially in low-income regions
Without these actions, common infections could once again become deadly.
What This Means for Everyone
The threat of AMR is not distant—it affects daily medical care and routine antibiotics.
- Use antibiotics responsibly: only when prescribed, and always complete the full course.
- Prevent infections through hygiene, clean water, vaccination, and food safety.
- Support antibiotic stewardship, which ensures medicines remain effective for future generations.
A Growing Global Health Emergency
The GRAM study reinforces that antibiotic resistance is one of the world’s fastest-growing health threats, with consequences that could surpass many modern epidemics. Protecting antibiotics today is critical for safeguarding global health tomorrow.