A slow moving pandemic.

That’s how how some human and animal health experts are referring to the growing threat of “superbugs” — a popularized term for bacteria that is antimicrobial resistant (AMR) — also commonly known as antibiotic resistant.

They don’t go by that name for nothing, and they can be the cause of foodborne illnesses. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists antimicrobial resistance among the top 10 threats for global health, responsible for 1.3 million deaths annually and tied indirectly to another 5 million.

Worse yet, according to the findings of a recent high-level United Nations panel on AMR, the impact of this serious health problem is expected to grow. By 2050, the annual death toll from AMR is on track to exceed 10 million. As a result, by 2050, AMR will plunge 24 million people into extreme poverty annually. A landmark study publiched by Lancet last year had a gloomier outlook yet: 169 million deaths by 2050.

These are not sterile predictions hashed out by faceless number crunchers. They’re about you and me and people across the globe whether in industrialized or developing nations. 

As one report points out: “AMR anywhere is AMR everywhere.”

This simple, but powerful statement, is especially thought-provoking now that the Trump Administration has slashed foreign aid funding, some of which targeted preventing AMR in developing countries. 

They fear that this would leave the world face to face with a dire situation. Some diseases that are easily treated with antibiotics could b...