Study: Antibiotic Resistance is Growing in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Although the threat of antibiotic resistance is well-documented, global use has increased by 39% between 2000 and 2015, especially in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) including South Africa. A new study by the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy (CDDEP), Princeton University, ETH Zurich and the University of Antwerp analysed human antibiotic consumption in 76 countries and found it has increased worldwide from 11.3 to 15.7 defined daily doses (DDDs) per 1,000 inhabitants per day between 2000 and 2015.  In addition, when antibiotic resistance emerges in one place, it quickly spreads to other parts of the world. The study underscores the need for consistent global surveillance of antibiotic resistance and policies to curtail unnecessary antibiotic usage. Read more.