Antimicrobial-resistant infections or “superbugs” will kill more people than cancer worldwide by 2050, a recent report estimates, but Canada may be ill-prepared to deal with the issue, an expert says.
The report, titled “Tackling a Global Health Crisis: Initial Steps,” reflects warnings from experts and bodies like the World Health Organization and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), calling superbugs one of the greatest global health risks.
In addition to lives lost, superbugs will cost about C$100 trillion in healthcare costs globally unless countries take concerted action.
Despite the warnings, Canada’s auditor general noted in his 2015 spring report that PHAC and Health Canada have yet to act on key responsibilities to counter the risks.
