GENEVA: The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the world is running out of effective tools to combat drug-resistant bacteria, with too few new tests and treatments in development to keep pace with the rapidly growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
AMR — driven largely by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals in humans, animals and agriculture — is already blamed for over a million deaths worldwide each year, with the heaviest burden falling on low- and middle-income countries.
In two new reports released Thursday, the WHO cautioned that the global pipeline of antibacterial treatments is shrinking and failing to keep up with the scale of the crisis.
“Antimicrobial resistance is escalating, but the pipeline of new treatments and diagnostics is insufficient to tackle the spread of drug-resistant bacterial infections,” said WHO assistant director-general Yukiko Nakatani. “Without more investment in research and development, drug-resistant infections will continue to spread.”
According to WHO data, only 17 new antibacterial agents have been authorised since the agency began tracking progress in 2017. The number of antibacterials in clinical development has now fallen to 90 from 97 in 2023 — with only 15 considered truly innovative.
Read More: Govt Steps Up Dengue Control Measures Amid Rising Cases in Islamabad
The agency described the challenge as a “dual crisis of scarcity and lack of innovation,” noting serious gaps in formulations for children and oral treatments suitable for outpatients.
Preclinical research shows 232 antibacterial projects in development, but nearly 90 percent are being pursued by small companies with fewer than 50 employees — highlighting the urgent need for sustainable funding and support.
The WHO called on governments and investors to increase funding, publish antibacterial activity data to boost collaboration, and create new financial models to sustain the small and medium-sized firms leading much of the research.
“Greater investment and innovation are vital,” the reports stressed, warning that without decisive action, the world risks losing its most important tools against infectious diseases.