NCDC: Antimicrobial Resistance could claim 39 million lives by 2050 without urgent action

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concerns that Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) could lead to approximately 39 million deaths by 2050 if urgent measures are not implemented.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, Dr. Tochi Okwor, NCDC’s Head of Disease Prevention and Chair of Nigeria’s AMR Coordinating Committee, described AMR as a critical global challenge impacting health systems, food security, and economies.

Okwor emphasized that AMR is not solely a health issue but a pressing crisis requiring immediate action through policy, scientific advancements, and strong leadership. She noted that in 2021, AMR was associated with around 4.7 million deaths globally, including over one million directly attributed to resistant infections.

“Without intervention, AMR could result in 39 million deaths by 2050—equivalent to roughly three deaths per minute—and may cost the global economy nearly $1 trillion annually,” she warned.

Okwor highlighted that vulnerable communities with limited healthcare access face the greatest risks, as untreated infections could trigger severe outbreaks.

She explained that Nigeria has been addressing AMR for nearly ten years through a One Health approach, which connects human, animal, and environmental health efforts.

“While Nigeria’s AMR response, including governance, surveillance, and policies, is progressing, significant challenges remain,” she added.

Having recently completed a Fleming Fund Policy Fellowship at the University of Liverpool, Okwor gained insights into transforming AMR data into effective policies and strengthening legal frameworks through collaboration with lawmakers.

“The UK’s approach demonstrated how scientific evidence can shape legislation. Nigeria must build robust legal structures to support AMR governance,” she said.

Okwor stressed the need for deeper multi-sectoral partnerships, particularly at the sub-national level, to integrate animal and environmental health into AMR strategies.

She also noted that Nigeria’s role as host of the 2026 High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR will elevate the country’s influence in global discussions on the issue.

“The fellowship has refined my approach to international engagement, enabling Nigeria to showcase stronger leadership in the global fight against AMR,” she said.

Okwor underscored the importance of interpreting AMR data to create equitable, actionable policies that safeguard public health and enhance health security.

“Data alone is not enough; we must develop the expertise to turn it into policies that protect our people,” she concluded.

According to NAN, AMR occurs when pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi become resistant to treatments, complicating infections and increasing treatment costs, illness duration, and mortality. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics in humans and animals, along with substandard or counterfeit drugs, exacerbate the crisis.