CIDRAP News: U.N. report calls for urgent action against antimicrobial resistance
“There is no time to wait. That’s the conclusion of a report out [Monday] from the United Nations (U.N.) Interagency Coordination Group (IACG), a panel of global experts formed to provide guidance and ensure sustained global action on antimicrobial resistance (AMR)…” (Dall, 4/29).

CNN: Our antibiotics are no match for superbugs, and it’s a ‘global crisis,’ U.N. report says
“Common diseases such as tuberculosis are becoming untreatable while lifesaving medical procedures like surgeries carry increasing risks because of ‘alarming levels’ of resistance to antimicrobial drugs, according to a new United Nations committee report. Resistance to antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiprotozoals, which has been seen in countries of all income levels, is now a ‘global crisis,’ the authors wrote…” (Scutti, 4/29).

The Guardian: Antibiotic resistance as big a threat as climate change — chief medic
“…The threat of antibiotic resistance is as great as that from climate change, said Dame Sally Davies, and should be given as much attention from politicians and the public…” (Harvey, 4/29).

New York Times: U.N. Issues Urgent Warning on the Growing Peril of Drug-Resistant Infections
“…Drug-resistant infections already claim 700,000 lives a year, including 230,000 deaths from drug-resistant tuberculosis, the report said. The rampant overuse of antibiotics and antifungal medicines in humans, livestock, and agriculture is accelerating a crisis that is poorly understood by the public and largely ignored by world leaders. Without concerted action, a United Nations panel said, resistant infections could kill 10 million people annually by 2050 and trigger an economic slowdown to rival the global financial crisis of 2008…” (Jacobs, 4/29).

The Telegraph: Countries need to ‘step up’ their efforts against superbugs
“…The report calls for a joined-up approach across human and animal health, and says countries must act as a matter of urgency. It calls for incentives for the development of antibiotics because of the high cost of drug development and poor returns for pharmaceutical companies. It says that incentives should be both financial and non-financial. The report also calls for an immediate ban on the use of antibiotics on the World Health Organization’s list of critically important medicines as growth promoters in animals…” (Gulland, 4/29).

U.N. News: U.N., global health agencies sound alarm on drug-resistant infections; new recommendations to reduce ‘staggering number’ of future deaths
“… ‘Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest threats we face as a global community. This report reflects the depth and scope of the response needed to curb its rise and protect a century of progress in health,’ said Amina Mohammed, U.N. deputy secretary general and co-chair of the IACG. ‘It rightly emphasizes that there is no time to wait, and I urge all stakeholders to act on its recommendations and work urgently to protect our people and planet and secure a sustainable future for all,’ she added…” (4/29).