Global Deaths from Antibiotic Resistance Could Hit 39M

During the 307th inaugural lecture at the University of Ilorin, Professor Mashood Raji, a Veterinary Microbiology expert, projected that global deaths from antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections will rise from 1.27 million in 2019 to 1.91 million by 2050, totaling 39 million deaths by that year. He indicated that over one-third of these deaths could be prevented with appropriate actions.

Raji highlighted that poultry meat and products are significant sources of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella strains, posing serious public health risks. He recommended establishing a national surveillance program to monitor disease incidence and antimicrobial resistance, alongside fostering collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and other relevant bodies.

Raji also called for improved food safety measures, public awareness campaigns, and enhanced access to veterinary and public health services, particularly in rural areas, to effectively combat the rising threat of antibiotic resistance.