Antimicrobial resistance (also known as AMR) is estimated to be directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths in 2019 alone, equivalent to approximately 3,500 people each day. This number is estimated to reach 10 million per annum by 2050 without substantial action. The economic consequences of antimicrobial resistance for individuals, health systems and society are also considerable. Individuals who contract antimicrobial-resistant infections are at risk of mortality, treatment delays, long-term disability, lost income and debt or poverty from high health costs, with suffering and socio-economic impacts for families and communities. Antimicrobial resistance increases financial pressure on health systems as it leads to more hospitalizations, longer stays, more expensive diagnosis and treatment and reduced ability to provide treatments such as chemotherapy and surgical care safely. It can also negatively impact national economies, which may have fewer and less productive workers and...
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