BTN News: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is emerging as one of the most pressing health crises of the 21st century, quietly spreading across the globe. With bacteria becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, millions of people face infections that are harder, if not impossible, to treat. The situation is particularly dire in countries like Colombia, where antibiotic resistance has reached alarming levels, and many patients, like Andrés Danilo Rojas, are finding that life-saving medications no longer work. Experts warn that if immediate action isn’t taken, the world could soon face a reality where common infections are once again deadly. The urgency of this issue has spurred global actions, such as the recent initiative led by the United Kingdom in collaboration with Colombia, aimed at tackling AMR on a worldwide scale.
Rising Cases of Antibiotic Resistance in Colombia
In Colombia, the situation is becoming increasingly critical. Andrés Danilo Rojas, a 48-year-old Colombian, has been directly affected by the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance. Despite dealing with several health conditions, Rojas managed to live a relatively normal life until an antibiotic-resistant infection nearly changed his fate. In July of this year, while vacationing, he began experiencing symptoms of a severe infection and was forced to return to Bogotá for treatment. Despite being given a common beta-lactam antibiotic, his condition did not improve. It took 20 days for doctors to realize that he had developed resistance to the medication. Though Rojas’s case ended positively, many others are not so fortunate.
Experts, such as Dr. Carlos Álvarez from the National University of Colombia, warn that the number of antibiotic options is dwindling, and we are nearing a point where some infections will no longer be treatable. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), antimicrobial resistance causes between 1.27 and 4.95 million deaths annually worldwide, surpassing fatalities from diseases like HIV and malaria. In Colombia alone, RAM was responsible for 4,700 deaths in 2019, with 18,200 additional deaths associated with resistant infections.
Why Antibiotic Resistance is Accelerating
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms—bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites—undergo changes that render them resistant to treatments such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, and antiparasitics. This phenomenon is aggravated by the excessive and improper use of these drugs, as well as their substandard quality or overuse in livestock production. In Colombia, self-prescription and improper antibiotic use have contributed significantly to this growing problem.
Experts emphasize that much of the misuse comes from a lack of education. In Colombia, it is common to see individuals using antibiotics for non-bacterial infections or self-medicating without proper guidance. Meanwhile, many small, neighborhood pharmacies lack qualified pharmacists, relying instead on sales personnel who may not fully understand the potential impacts of these medications. This lack of regulation and education has allowed resistant bacteria to flourish.
A Global Call to Action: Strategies to Combat AMR
The urgency of the situation has prompted a global response. On September 3, the British government, in partnership with Colombia, announced a new global initiative to combat AMR. At a meeting in Bogotá, experts, academics, and government officials highlighted three key priorities: ensuring access to effective antibiotics, establishing a Scientific Advisory Group for “One Health” to promote integrated health strategies across human, animal, and environmental sectors, and increasing global investment in AMR interventions.
The British ambassador to Colombia, George Hodgson, emphasized the need for international cooperation: “Antimicrobial resistance is a problem that affects everyone, whether they are in Colombia, the United Kingdom, or anywhere else. The solutions require global collaboration.”
The Looming Crisis: What Happens If We Do Nothing?
If the current trajectory continues, the world could see a future where common infections become deadly once again. “In five to ten years, treating even the simplest infections could become incredibly complex,” warns Ángela Caro, president of the International Society of Pharmacovigilance. By 2050, experts predict that infections will be the primary public health threat due to the widespread inefficacy of current antibiotics.
Historically, antibiotics have transformed medicine, turning once-lethal infections into manageable conditions. But without careful stewardship, those advances could be undone. Caro compares the misuse of antibiotics to a non-diabetic person taking insulin for an unrelated condition. Such misuse accelerates the development of resistance, endangering everyone.
Educating for Change: Learning from Global Examples
Global examples show that change is possible. Sweden, for instance, reduced antibiotic misuse significantly over a decade through comprehensive education targeting the public, healthcare providers, and the livestock industry. Today, antibiotics in Sweden are considered a last resort, akin to chemotherapy. For Colombia to replicate such success, substantial educational and regulatory efforts are needed.
Conclusion: Acting Now to Secure Our Future
The battle against antimicrobial resistance requires urgent and coordinated action across multiple sectors. The UK-Colombia initiative and similar efforts represent a vital step forward, but much more needs to be done. Reducing the misuse of antibiotics, investing in new treatments, and promoting global cooperation are essential to prevent a future where once-treatable infections become fatal once again.
The world must act now to prevent bacteria from becoming humanity’s next existential threat. The stakes could not be higher; our very survival depends on it.
