In 2016, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was gaining political attention at the highest levels. At a UN high-level meeting (only the fourth on a health issue), UN member states pledged to take a coordinated approach to address the root causes of antimicrobial resistance across human health, animal health, agriculture, and environmental health. 8 years later though, progress has been patchy at best. Although 178 countries have developed national action plans, fewer than a fifth are funded or implemented.

This study presents the first comprehensive assessment of the global burden of AMR from 1990 to 2021, with results forecasted until 2050. Evaluating changing trends in AMR mortality across time and location is necessary to understand how this important global health threat is developing and prepares us to make informed decisions regarding interventions. Our findings show the importance of infection prevention, as shown by the reduction of AMR deaths in those younger than 5 years. Simultaneously, our results underscore the concerning trend of AMR burden among those older than 70 years, alongside a rapidly ageing global community.