ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE: A GLOBAL THREAT AND PATHWAYS TO SOLUTIONS

Introduction. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a critical global health challenge that poses significant threats to public health, food security, and economic stability. AMR occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites develop resistance to antimicrobial agents, rendering treatments ineffective and leading to persistent infections, higher medical costs, and increased mortality rates. This crisis is exacerbated by factors such as the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in healthcare and agriculture, insufficient regulation, inadequate infection control measures, and limited access to diagnostic tools. As AMR continues to evolve, its impact is felt worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where resources for combating this issue are often scarce. The growing burden of AMR underscores the urgency for global and regional collaborations, integrated surveillance systems, and the implementation of effective antimicrobial stewardship programs to mitigate its impact. Purpose of the review. This study aims to analyze AMR as a global threat, identify key factors driving its emergence and spread, evaluate existing mitigation strategies, and propose practical recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of AMR management at regional and global levels. Materials and methods: A systematic analysis was conducted using open-access articles published within the last five years from databases such as PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, eLibrary, and CyberLeninka. Included studies met evidence levels A and B, comprising meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and cohort studies. Key areas of focus included epidemiological data, resistance patterns, and intervention effectiveness. Results: Between 1990 and 2021, AMR was responsible for over one million deaths globally each year, with significant increases in fatalities among individuals aged 70 and older. In 2021, bacterial AMR contributed to an estimated 4.71 million deaths globally, including 1.14 million directly attributable to AMR. Projections suggest AMR-related deaths could reach 10 million annually by 2050 if current trends continue. Factors such as unregulated antibiotic use, limited diagnostic resources, and the spread of multidrug resistance (MDR), extensive drug resistance (XDR), and pan-resistance (PDR) exacerbate the crisis. Regional disparities, particularly in Africa and Asia, emphasize the need for strengthened surveillance and regulatory measures. Conclusion. AMR is a growing global crisis that demands urgent action. Implementing genomic tools for AMR monitoring and adopting the «One Health» approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health, are essential to addressing this challenge. Strengthening regional monitoring, increasing public awareness, and fostering global collaborations are pivotal for sustainable AMR control. These measures are crucial to reducing mortality rates, optimizing healthcare outcomes, and mitigating the socioeconomic impacts of AMR.