WHO: Antimicrobial Resistance Claimed 250,000 Lives in Africa in 2021
FILE PHOTO: A logo of the World Health Organization (WHO), is seen before a news conference in Geneva, Switzerland, June 25, 2020. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
World Health Organisation (WHO) said 250,000 deaths were directly attributed to drug-resistant infections in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2021.
A message from WHO to mark the World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week 2025 said drug-resistant infections were increasing, but the awareness, financing, investment and actions remained inadequate.
It stated, “Globally, in 2021 alone, AMR was associated with an estimated 4.71 million deaths, while 1.14 million were directly attributable and 1.05 million indirectly, with 250,000 deaths directly attributed to AMR in sub-Saharan Africa.
“An estimated 178 million DALYs are lost due to AMR and will cost nearly US$1 trillion annually to the global economy, if left unchecked.”
The message was signed by WHO Representative and Head of Mission to Nigeria, Dr. Pavel Ursu.
Ursu alerted that AMR could claim up to 39 million lives by 2050, as per recent projections in 2021.
Ursu said over 60,000 lives had been lost each year since 1990 in Nigeria due to AMR.
WHO stated in the message, “In 2021 alone, an estimated 50,500 (36,900-64,100) deaths were attributed, and 227,000 (167,000-286,000) were associated with bacterial AMR, with the largest number of deaths occurring among under five age group.
“These alarming estimates and projections underscore the urgency for collective action with a whole-of-government and society approach; an urgent need to integrate AMR with Primary Health care to accelerate AMR response, achieve UHC guided by the WHO people-centred approach, with broader SWAp, food security, and climate change initiatives.
“From 18 to 24 November, we join with the AMR stakeholders and the community to mark World AMR Awareness Week, under the theme – Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future.”
WHO said the theme of this year’s event underscored the urgent need for bold, coordinated, cross-sectoral action to address AMR as a present danger that demanded immediate, sustained action.
Ursu added, “Building on the momentum of the 2024 United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting on AMR and Nigeria hosting 5th global high level ministerial AMR conference in Abuja in June 2026; and on occasion of WAAW week, I urge all stakeholders, including governments, civil society, health-care providers, veterinarians, farmers, environmental actors and the public to translate the political commitments into tangible, accountable, life-saving interventions.
“I call for urgent actions to protect our present and secure our future and prioritise long-term investment and strategic action in the human, animal and environmental health sectors.
“We must support to strengthen AMR and one health surveillance, national AMR survey, ensure equitable access to quality medicines and diagnostics, foster innovation and building resilient health systems that require long-term commitment and resources including domestic financing.”
