AGREEMENT ON ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE:
Global push to track ‘superbugs’
Globally, an estimated 700,000 people die from drug-resistant strains of common bacterial infections each year
The Medical Research Council and the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (Find) is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on antibiotic resistance on Tuesday, in an effort to boost collaboration in combating "superbugs". Find is a global nonprofit organisation that helps to develop diagnostic tests for poverty-related diseases. Globally, an estimated 700,000 people die from drug-resistant strains of common bacterial infections each year. Scientists fear if available antibiotics are not used more judiciously, and new ones developed more rapidly, the world may return to the pre-antibiotic era when an infected scratch or insect bite could prove deadly. While limited data is available on the situation in SA, what little there is paints a grim picture.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.