Will superbugs take over the world, as increasing media articles suggest?

Dr. Sabiha Essack is Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), where she established the Antimicrobial Research Unit, and the South African Research Chair in Antibiotic Resistance and One Health. Dr. Essack’s research focuses on evidence-informed strategies to mitigate antibiotic resistance through prevention and surveillance strategy using a One Health approach, which accounts for the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment.

In this episode, Sabiha joins Salma to discuss antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and its unequal impact on health. While AMR is driven by indiscriminate use and misuse of antimicrobials globally, low- and middle-income countries—with weak health and regulatory systems, limited access to diagnostic tools and alternative solutions, and vulnerable populations—bear most of the burden. Dr. Essack highlights the importance of equitable access to antibiotics, diagnostics, and vaccines, as well as the critical role of governance, financing, stewardship, and environmental controls. They also analyze current AMR communication approaches and question whether fear-based messages are effective and appropriate.

Considering the global and polycentric scope of this issue, with no single right answer, this episode underscores the need for innovative, equitable alternatives to address the growing AMR challenge.

Useful resources:

• Altevogt BM, Taylor P, Akwar HT, et al. A One Health framework for global and local stewardship across the antimicrobial lifecycle. Commun Med. 2025;5(1):414. doi:10.1038/s43856-025-01090-4

Host: Dr. Salma Abdalla Editors: Catalina Melendez Contreras and Zachary Linhares Marketing: Kinkini Bhaduri Music: Eden Avery / Melting Glass from Epidemic Sound https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/2fqOXWpHab/

The views and opinions expressed by the guest in this episode do not necessarily reflect those of their institution, the funders, or the podcast team.