Widely acknowledged as a severe threat to public health, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is now gaining attention as the “silent pandemic.” The World Health Organization (WHO) has deemed AMR one of the top 10 global threats to human health, with an estimated 1.3 million annual deaths attributed directly to resistant pathogens. Immediate measures are essential to avert a substantial rise in these statistics, which could lead to elevated public health, economic, and social expenses, disproportionately impacting low-income countries.

Climate Change and AMR: The intertwining of AMR and the climate change crisis presents a critical concern. Rising global temperatures contribute to the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes among microorganisms, while extreme weather events and increased pollution create favorable conditions for bugs to develop resistance.

Tina Joshi, Associate Professor of Molecular Microbiology at the University of Plymouth, emphasizes the intrinsic importance of climate change in this scenario. “The more our temperatures rise, the more infectious diseases can transmit — and that includes AMR bacteria,” says Joshi. Unfortunately, the gravity of AMR often goes unnoticed, earning its title as the “silent pandemic.”

Addressing the Urgency: The WHO Europe’s Director of Communicable Diseases, Environment, and Health, Robb Butler, labels AMR as an “extremely pressing global health challenge.” With costs exceeding €1.5 billion annually in the EU alone, AMR poses a phenomenal challenge to health systems and economies. Butler is optimistic that the imminent COP28 climate conference can provide a platform for policymakers to acknowledge the correlation between the climate crisis and AMR.

Industry Incentives and AMR Pipeline: Despite being a significant threat, antibiotics and antimicrobials are not attractive for industries to develop due to their high risk and cost. Butler expresses concern about incentivizing industry leaders to tackle AMR, given their awareness that other research and development areas may offer more profitable returns.

Thomas Schinecker, CEO of Roche, warns that the failure to learn lessons from the coronavirus pandemic could have serious consequences for the AMR health crisis. He advocates for the adoption of essential measures to prepare ourselves for the possibility of antibiotic-resistant bacteria emerging as the next pandemic.

As the silent pandemic of AMR unfolds, urgent global attention and concerted efforts are needed to address the intricate relationship between climate change and the proliferation of drug-resistant superbugs. Drawing insights from past pandemics, along with implementing proactive measures and offering incentives to industry leaders, is paramount in protecting global health and averting the emergence of AMR as the next formidable challenge confronting humanity.