Data from 22 countries shows high levels of antibiotic resistance: WHO

Worryingly high levels of antibiotic-resistance have been recorded across 22 countries, according to the World Health Organization's (WHO) first release of surveillance data on the accelerating global threat.

Dr Marc Sprenger, director of WHO's Antimicrobial Resistance Secretariat, revealed on Monday that both high- and low-income countries were affected.

So far, 52 countries are enrolled in WHO's global surveillance system on so-called superbug infections.

Common infections which involve antibiotic resistant bacteria now include E. coli, pneumonia, and Salmonella.

More details from UN Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Haq.

"The new report confirms the serious situation of antibiotic resistance worldwide. Some of the world's most common – and potentially most dangerous – infections, are proving to be drug-resistant. That's why WHO is encouraging all countries to set up good surveillance systems for detecting drug resistance that can provide data to this global system"

UN Radio/GBCONLINE
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