Antimicrobial resistance now hits lower-income countries the hardest, but superbugs are a global threat we must all fight

While antimicrobial resistance is a threat to all humanity, a tale of two worlds emerges, highlighting the heightened vulnerability of low- and middle-income countries. (Shutterstock)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the World Health Organization’s most urgent health challenges for the next decade. While AMR is a global threat, a tale of two worlds emerges, highlighting the heightened vulnerability of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Misuse of antimicrobials worldwide has accelerated the evolution of antimicrobial resistance. For instance, in many countries, antibiotics are available over the counter, and even when their use is more regulated, the Centers for Disease Control has estimated that in the United States, one in three antibiotic prescriptions were unnecessary.