The latest UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report reveals the rise of superbugs across the world is a threat to humankind. However, pollution from pharma companies and animal farming is exacerbating their rise.
What are superbugs and why are they dangerous?
Superbugs are any bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites with developed resistance against antibiotics. White antibiotics, disinfectants, and antiseptics help in reducing and treating infections, but some microorganisms become resistant to them over time. Hence, making antibiotics ineffective. This is mainly due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, in addition to the evolution of bacteria.
Microorganisms develop antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through two major means- extensive use of antibiotics in animal farming and water pollution from pharma waste. The extensive use of antibiotics in farming allows bacterial strains to mutate and avoid them in the future. On the other hand, untreated medical sewage from pharmacy firms also leads to the same effect. While AMR is a natural evolutionary phenomenon, the overuse of modern medicine is exacerbating the issue.
UN: The “world must cut down pollution”
As per the UNEP report, as many as 10 million people may be dying every year by 2050 as a result of AMR. “Pollution of air, soil, and waterways undermines the human right to a clean and healthy environment. The same drivers that cause environmental degradation are worsening the antimicrobial resistance problem. The impacts of anti-microbial resistance could destroy our health and food systems,” states the report.
Additionally, it also highlights measures for addressing key pollution sources. The creation of national-level plans and establishing the mechanisms on the ground, increasing efforts towards sanitation, hygiene, and water limits, and the integration of environmental considerations into AMR action plans are highly recommended. (https://eluminoustechnologies.com) The report also suggests nations look into methods for establishing schemes and investments to allocate resources and monitor the environment for increasing data collection and evidence. As per the agency, this can help in generating better-targeted interventions in the future.
In addition to adverse effects on human health and life, the rise of superbugs can also have adverse effects on global economics. According to the report, the direct economic consequences could be worth about $3.4 trillion by the end of 2030. It can also push over 24 million into extreme poverty. Superbugs are a rising silent pandemic and the emergence of an almost-bulletproof bug is a distant reality.
