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May 9, 2025
A new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases has revealed a startling gap in the treatment of highly drug-resistant bacterial infections in low- and middle-income countries. According to the research, only one in fourteen people suffering from these infections received the appropriate antibiotics in 2019, leaving the vast majority without effective treatment.
The Scope of the Problem
The study, led by Dr. Anant Mishra of the Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia, analyzed data from eight countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, Egypt, India, Kenya, Mexico, Pakistan, and South Africa. Focusing on Gram-negative bacterial infections resistant to carbapenem antibiotics-a last-resort treatment-the researchers used data from the Global Burden of Bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance 1990-2021 study and antibiotic sales figures to estimate treatment rates.
Their findings are sobering: across these countries, just 6.9% of patients with carbapenem-resistant infections received an effective antibiotic. The situation was especially dire in Kenya, where only 0.2% of patients were treated appropriately, compared to 14.9% in Egypt and Mexico. In total, nearly 1.4 million infections caused by these superbugs went undertreated in 2019.
The Rising Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is already a major global health threat, estimated to cause almost 1.1 million deaths annually-more than HIV/AIDS and malaria combined. The vast majority of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, and experts warn that, without urgent action, AMR could result in almost 40 million cumulative deaths between 2025 and 2050.
The lack of access to effective antibiotics not only leads to more deaths and prolonged illness but also drives up healthcare costs due to longer hospital stays and complications. Worse still, inappropriate or incomplete treatment can accelerate the development of even more resistant bacteria, making future infections harder to treat.
Barriers to Treatment
The researchers identified several barriers to accessing appropriate antibiotics, including limited availability of drugs, lack of diagnostic facilities, and broader healthcare access issues. Dr. Jennifer Cohn, Global Access Director at the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP), emphasized the need to shift the narrative: “For years, the dominant narrative has been that antibiotics are being overused, but the stark reality is that many people with highly drug-resistant infections in low- and middle-income countries are not getting access to the antibiotics they need.”
The Way Forward
While health ministries in the affected countries are developing strategies to address AMR, the study’s authors stress that more resources and interventions are urgently needed. Vaccines could also play a crucial role: recent modeling suggests that rolling out vaccines for 15 critical illnesses, and developing new ones for priority pathogens, could save half a million lives annually.
Conclusion
The study highlights an urgent need for global investment in both the development of new antibiotics and the expansion of access to existing treatments. Without decisive action, the world risks losing ground in the fight against deadly, drug-resistant infections.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on findings from a recent study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases and summarized by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The information presented is for general awareness and should not be considered medical advice. For specific health concerns, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
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