Between 2018 and 2023, antibiotic resistance increased by more than 40% among the combinations of bacteria and antibiotics that were monitored.

More than 100 countries submitted data to the WHO’s Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS). These data indicate a growing resistance of bacteria to key antibiotics, posing an increasing threat to public health worldwide.

The Current Global Situation

The latest report, Global Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance Report 2025, presents prevalence of antibiotic resistance for 22 antibiotics used to treat urinary and gastrointestinal tract infections, gonorrhea, and bloodstream infections. The report covers eight bacterial pathogens that commonly cause such infections.

Antibiotic resistance is most widespread in Southeast Asia, the Eastern Mediterranean Regions, and Africa Regions, where one in three to five infections is caused by resistant bacteria. Resistance is most prevalent and worsening most rapidly in regions where healthcare systems lack the capacity to detect and treat infections effectively.

The Greatest Threat Comes from Gram-Negative Bacteria

The report highlights that antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria are an increasing global concern. Among these are E. coli and K. pneumoniae, the bacteria most often responsible for bloodstream infections — serious infections that can lead to organ failure and death.

More than 40% of E. coli and over 55% of K. pneumoniae worldwide are now resistant to third-generation cephalosporins, which are often the first choice for treating such infections.

The effectiveness of other key antibiotics, including carbapenems and fluoroquinolones, is also declining against E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and Salmonella.

Resistance to carbapenem antibiotics, once rare, is now becoming increasingly common. This significantly reduces treatment options, forcing the use of antibiotics that should be reserved as a last resort in emergencies.

Surveillance and Action Against Antibiotic Resistance

The number of countries participating in WHO’s GLASS surveillance has quadrupled since 2016 - from 25 to 104 countries by 2023. However, data gaps remain, particularly from countries most affected, where weak infrastructure and systems limit monitoring capacity.

In addition to the newly released report, the GLASS dashboard provides an overview of the global, regional, and national situation. The dashboard includes data-based information on antibiotic use and resistance rates.

A declaration by world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly in 2024 on antimicrobial resistance defined specific targets in line with the “One Health” approach, which integrates actions affecting human, animal, and environmental health. It is essential that this declaration be followed up with concrete actions at both national and global levels.

The Chief Epidemiologist