A new global report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed alarming data showing that antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) infections caused 1.27 million deaths in 2019, surpassing fatalities from HIV/AIDS and malaria combined.
Sub-Saharan Africa recorded the highest mortality rates, highlighting the region’s vulnerability.
According to the report, four major bacterial pathogens—Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Staphylococcus aureus—were each responsible for more than 100,000 AMR-related deaths in 2019.
The trend continued in 2021, with 1.14 million deaths directly linked to AMR worldwide.
Once again, sub-Saharan Africa recorded the highest death rates, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated regional and global response.
In a message marking the 2025 World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, warned that inappropriate antimicrobial use in humans and animals, combined with weak water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) systems and limited diagnostic capacity, is accelerating the AMR crisis across the 47 Member States in the region.
Janabi stressed that awareness and education must form the foundation of the fight against AMR.
“Addressing the underlying driver of AMR—its inappropriate use—begins with solid education that promotes understanding and catalyzes behaviour change,” he said.
He described AMR as a complex, multisectoral challenge that affects every part of society, noting that it requires an all-inclusive, whole-of-society response. AMR, commonly known as drug resistance, occurs when disease-causing germs become resistant to existing medications, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of severe illness and death.“
In our region, this is not a distant crisis; it is here now, causing significant morbidity and mortality,” Janabi warned.
He highlighted the progress made by Member States, noting that all 47 African countries now have multisectoral National Action Plans (NAPs) to guide coordinated action against AMR.
WHO, working alongside quadripartite partners, has also trained more than 220 personnel from 20 countries to strengthen leadership, governance, and effective NAP implementation.
Additionally, 25 Member States (53%) are now using the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) to generate accurate data for policy development and targeted interventions.
Janabi noted that 32 countries (68%) are implementing core strategies to promote responsible antimicrobial use in communities and healthcare facilities.
He emphasized that lasting progress depends on strong national ownership and sustained commitment.
The World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW)—celebrated globally from 18–24 November—encourages action against one of the world’s most urgent health threats.
This year’s theme, “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,” reinforces the message that everyone has a critical role to play.