Antimicrobial Resistance: A Looming Health Crisis the World must prepare for

The declaration of a global health emergency on the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and its projected impact on human health was believed to be a clarion call for all health stakeholders. With mortality rate estimated to be over 10 million deaths per annum globally by 2050, one would wonder what the global health situation might be during the lag phase before a sad peak is reached. There exist empirical evidences substantiating the fact that the world is fast running out of options in her antibiotics war-chest. Scientific evidences have leaned towards the resurgence of the ancient art of phage therapy, a treatment option whose early fortunes succumbed to the enticing prospects of antibiotics use. If the results of clinical trials and compassionate phage treatment are anything to go by, the world perhaps stands a good chance against an age long enemy. If the wheels of governmental interest can be steered in the favor of bacteriophage use, as an alternative or complementary antimicrobial option, perhaps the current hurdles of regulation and widespread acceptance would easily be overcome. A lesson to be taken from the current COVID-19 pandemic is that warning signs if not dealt with, spell untold hardship for global health

Author(s): Tolulope J.Oduselu

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