Africa CDC Warns Of Soaring Deaths From Antimicrobial Resistance

The likelihood of falling ill or dying from diseases that resist treatment has escalated in Africa, with children and other vulnerable groups being most at risk, according to a new report by the Africa  Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The continent faces the highest mortality rate from antimicrobial resistance, with 27.3 deaths per 100,000—exceeding the combined death toll from HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria,” the African Union Landmark Report launched on Thursday at the Africa CDC headquarters showed.

The report revealed that Africa bears a significant burden of infectious diseases, accounting for approximately 95 per cent of malaria deaths, 70 per cent of people living with HIV,  and 25 per cent of TB deaths globally.

“We must not ignore this silent threat that disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable among us,” said Africa CDC Deputy Director-General, Dr Raji Tajudeen.