Global Scans · Antimicrobial resistance · Weekly Summary

• [New] Scientists are discovering that the world's plastic pollution problem could be worsening antimicrobial resistance. Chemistry World
• [New] AMR is considered one of the most urgent global public health threats, with experts predicting AMR could cause 39 million deaths between 2025 and 2050. EurekAlert!
• [New] Researchers at King's College London have conducted one of the most comprehensive studies to date on global antimicrobial resistance, using AI and predictive modelling to forecast how antibiotic resistance could evolve over the next 25 years. Innovation News Network
• [New] A different FAO report has warned that, under current trends driven by growing demand for animal source foods, global antimicrobial use in livestock is projected to increase by almost 30% by 2040 compared with 2019. CNS Media
• [New] Antimicrobial resistance is a significant global health problem, with deaths from drug-resistant infections expected to exceed cancer by 2050. Chemistry World
• [New] Antimicrobial resistance already costs an estimated €11bn (£9.5bn) a year within Europe alone and is predicted to cost $1 tn globally by 2050. The Guardian
• [New] Escalating antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae poses a serious public health threat, undermining treatment and disease control strategies globally. Emerging Infectious Diseases journal
• Global livestock antimicrobial use could surge 30% by 2040, raising urgent calls for coordinated action against resistance. CNS Media
• Under high-AMR scenarios, cumulative livestock production losses could reach US$ 318 billion by 2040, compared with roughly US$ 53 billion in the most severe AGP phase-out scenario. CNS Media
• A new UN FAO report warns that, under current trends driven by growing demand for animal source foods and continued production intensification, global antimicrobial use in livestock is projected to increase by almost 30% by 2040 compared with 2019. CNS Media
• Global antimicrobial use in livestock is projected to rise by nearly 30% by 2040, with antimicrobial resistance-driven losses far outweighing short-term productivity gains from antimicrobial growth promoters. CNS Media
• The increased abundance of antimicrobial resistance could lead to loss of 3.8% of global annual GDP. Frontiers Publishing Partnerships
• Antimicrobial resistance is a globally accelerating issue threatening the efficacy of existing treatments. Frontiers Publishing Partnerships
• The proliferation of falsified medical products and AMR represent a double threat to public health and global health security, particularly in countries facing security, humanitarian, and persistent logistical issues. Health Policy Watch
• The investment case is equally staggering: action on infection prevention, water and sanitation, vaccination and responsible drug prescribing could avert 110 million AMR associated deaths and yield $1 trillion in economic gains by 2050. Health Policy Watch
• Without action, AMR could cause over 39 million human deaths by 2050 and $953 billion in animal production losses, yet animal vaccines receive just seven cents of every $10 spent on AMR-related research. Vet Candy
• Beyond 2030, growing climate-related and financial pressures will require integrated, system-wide approaches linking WASH with health systems, including primary care, infection prevention, emergency preparedness, antimicrobial resistance, and the One Health approach. medtigo

Last updated: 24 June 2026