WHO: “One in six” bacterial infections now resistant to antibiotics — global alarm
A new WHO analysis released in October 2025 finds antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at worrying scale: about one in six laboratory-confirmed bacterial infections worldwide show resistance to commonly used antibiotics. The dataset covers samples from over 100 countries (2016–2023) and shows resistance rising in many regions, with especially high levels in parts of South Asia, the Middle East and some African settings. WHO warns that AMR already contributes to large numbers of deaths annually and that the pipeline for new antibiotics and diagnostics remains thin — a combination that risks reversing decades of progress on treatable bacterial infections. The agency urged urgent global action: better stewardship (less inappropriate use), expanded access to diagnostics and effective medicines, and increased funding for R&D and surveillance systems. Public-health experts stress that addressing AMR requires coordinated One Health approaches covering human, animal and agricultural antibiotic use, plus stronger regulatory frameworks in lower-resource countries. Reuters+2Fin
WHO Global Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance Report 2025 — Key Findings
- Global scope & scale
- “One in six” means around ~16–17% resistant infections
- Trend: resistance rising rapidly
- Regional variations & most affected regions
- High-risk bacteria & antibiotic classes
- Gram-negative bacteria are particularly problematic. Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae show high resistance to third-generation cephalosporins. Globally, more than 40% of E. coli and over 55% of K. pneumoniae are now resistant to third-generation cephalosporins; in some parts of Africa these rates exceed 70%. World Health Organization+2www.ndtv.com+2
- Other essential antibiotic classes—carbapenems, fluoroquinolones—are also showing weakening effectiveness against several important pathogens, including Salmonella and Acinetobacter. World Health Organization+1
- Surveillance and data gaps
- Although reporting has improved (participation in GLASS has increased from about 25 countries in 2016 to over 100 in 2023), about 48% of countries did not report data in 2023. Pan American Health Organization+1
- In many reporting countries, the capacity for diagnostics or consistent surveillance is still limited, which means some of the highest burden may be under-counted. Pan American Health Organization
Implications & Risks
- Clinical treatment is increasingly uncertain: First-line antibiotics may no longer work in many cases, especially for bloodstream infections or urinary tract infections. This increases risk of complications, longer hospital stays, greater healthcare costs, and elevated mortality.
- Risk to vulnerable populations: Regions with weaker health systems, or with limited diagnostic capacity, are facing the highest risks. Also, people without access to newer/or alternative antibiotics are most vulnerable.
- Threat to gains in modern medicine: Surgeries, cancer therapies, transplants, childbirth interventions—all depend on effective antibiotics to prevent or treat bacterial infections. Rising resistance undermines all these.
- Economic and social burden: More expensive treatments, longer illnesses, more hospital admissions. Disparities between high-income and low-/middle-income countries could widen.
What WHO Recommends / What Needs Doing
- Responsible use of antibiotics
- Ensuring antibiotics are prescribed only when needed, with correct choice, dose, and duration. Avoid overuse in humans, animals, agriculture. World Health Organization+1
- Public education about finishing courses, not self-medicating, reducing unnecessary prescriptions.
- Strengthening surveillance & diagnostics
- Build laboratory capacity and diagnostic infrastructure, especially in regions currently under-served.
- Increase participation in GLASS and ensure data quality and comparability.
- Access to quality-assured diagnostics and medicines
- Ensuring that effective antibiotics and diagnostic tools are available, affordable, and not substandard.
- Infection prevention and control
- Measures in healthcare settings to reduce spread (sanitation, hygiene, sterile practices etc.).
- Vaccination where applicable, safe water, improved sanitation to reduce disease incidence.
- Innovation & research
- Developing new antibiotics, alternative therapies (e.g. bacteriophages, immunotherapies), and rapid point-of-care diagnostics.
- Monitoring for emerging resistance patterns, especially in high-risk pathogens.
- Policy, regulation & international cooperation
- Regulatory oversight on antibiotic use in agriculture and human medicine.
- Global cooperation to share data, coordinate responses, support countries with fewer resources.
Bacterial Infection Prevention: Simple Steps for Stronger Protection
Bacterial infections are a major global health concern, especially with the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains. Preventing infection is the most effective way to safeguard individual and community health. Good hygiene, safe food practices, vaccinations, and responsible antibiotic use are key pillars of bacterial infection prevention.
- Maintain Proper Hygiene:
Regular handwashing with soap and water remains the single most effective way to prevent bacterial infections. Wash hands before eating, after using the toilet, after coughing or sneezing, and after touching animals. When soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based sanitizer. - Practice Food Safety:
Contaminated food and water are common sources of bacterial illness. Cook meat thoroughly, wash fruits and vegetables, and avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods. Store perishables at safe temperatures and always drink clean, purified water. - Strengthen Immunity:
A balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management enhance the immune system’s ability to fight bacteria naturally. Vaccinations also play a crucial role — vaccines against diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria, typhoid, and pneumococcal infections protect both individuals and communities. - Prevent the Spread:
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, clean frequently touched surfaces, and stay home when sick. In healthcare settings, adherence to sterilization and infection-control measures is critical to stop hospital-acquired infections. - Use Antibiotics Wisely:
Misuse and overuse of antibiotics drive resistance, making infections harder to treat. Always take antibiotics only on a doctor’s prescription, complete the full course, and never share leftover medications.
In summary, preventing bacterial infections requires collective responsibility — from personal hygiene to healthcare policies. By following simple preventive measures and promoting awareness, we can reduce infection risks and preserve the power of antibiotics for future generations.
bacterial infection prevention, hygiene, antibiotics, vaccination, food safety, handwashing.