The long-neglected but growing threat of antimicrobial resistance is drawing increasing global attention, with world leaders set to make concrete commitments to tackle the crisis this week at a high-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly.
But while much of the spotlight currently is on AMR’s impact on public health, an even quieter crisis looms: AMR holds devastating potential to cripple global livestock populations, which could threaten food security for millions and destabilize entire agricultural economies, a new report found.
AMR happens when bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi stop responding to medicines, creating what is known as “superbugs” that are resistant to treatment. Superbugs are often the result of the overuse of antimicrobials such as antibiotics. Their proliferation could lead to increased illness and death among animals — and potentially decimate farmer livelihoods.
About the author
Ayenat Mersie
Ayenat Mersie is a Global Development Reporter for Devex. Previously, she worked as a freelance journalist for publications such as National Geographic and Foreign Policy and as an East Africa correspondent for Reuters.
