More investment in vaccines could prevent deaths due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and reduce antibiotic use by 2.5 billion doses annually, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a new report published on Thursday.
AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines. It is among the top global public health and development threats, with nearly five million associated deaths each year. The main drivers are misuse and overuse of antimicrobials.