Beware the Global Superbug

Local staff nurse draws blood from MDRTB patient Seikholien, 45, for laboratory testing. Churchandpur, Manipur, India - 24, October 2012. Credit: MSF

At the United Nations last month there was a major meeting at the sidelines of the General Assembly about an issue called anti-microbial resistance. This meeting did not make much news outside the UN bubble, but it was arguably the single most meaningful thing to happen at the United Nations in months.

Anti-microbial resistance is one of the worst global health crises in the world that gets the least amount of attention. The antibiotics we use to treat common infections are becoming less and less effective. There are many reasons for this, including the overuse of antibiotics in livestock and the over-prescription of these drugs for humans. The implications of ever-increasing anti-biotic resistance is exceedingly profound for both the health and wealth of our entire planet. The foundation of modern medicine is in peril.

On the line with me…