WHO Warns Global Antibiotic Resistance Rising, Threatening Treatment of Common Infections

A WHO report released on October 13, 2025, shows that one in six bacterial infections worldwide in 2023 were resistant to antibiotics. Between 2018–2023, resistance rose in over 40% of pathogen-antibiotic combinations, with an annual increase of 5–15%.

Data from 104 countries via GLASS highlights resistance in 22 antibiotics against eight common pathogens, including E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Highest resistance rates were in South-East Asia and Eastern Mediterranean, affecting one in three infections; in Africa, one in five. Globally, over 40% of E. coli and 55% of K. pneumoniae are resistant to third-generation cephalosporins, with Africa exceeding 70%. Resistance to carbapenems and fluoroquinolones is also rising.

WHO urges responsible antibiotic use, stronger health systems, and improved AMR surveillance. Countries must report high-quality data to GLASS by 2030 and align treatment guidelines with local resistance patterns.

14-10-2025