Alarming Surge in Superbug Deaths Reported
Deaths linked to antibiotic-resistant superbugs increased by a concerning 17% across England during 2024, according to official data released by the UK Health Security Agency. This significant rise highlights the growing threat posed by antimicrobial resistance, which experts describe as one of the greatest challenges facing modern healthcare.
The latest surveillance figures reveal that an estimated 2,379 people died while infected with resistant bacteria last year, up from 2,041 deaths recorded in 2023. This troubling trend coincides with nearly 400 newly reported cases of antibiotic-resistant infections occurring each week throughout 2024.
Prescribing Patterns Shift as Private Sector Use Soars
While antibiotic usage within NHS primary care actually decreased between 2019 and 2024, a dramatic shift occurred in the private sector. Prescriptions dispensed through private channels more than doubled during this five-year period, accounting for 22% of all antibiotics prescribed in 2024 alone.
Overall primary care antibiotic use across both NHS and private providers increased by 10.7% since 2019. This worrying trend has raised questions about whether changing prescription patterns might be contributing to the acceleration of antimicrobial resistance.
The data provides the first comprehensive insights into the government's Pharmacy First scheme, which allows pharmacists to prescribe antibiotics for common conditions without patients needing to see a GP. The programme resulted in antibiotics being supplied in 45% to 85% of consultations, depending on the specific condition being treated.
Healthcare Leaders Urge Responsible Antibiotic Use
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Executive of the UKHSA, issued a stark warning about the implications of these findings. "Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest health threats we face," she stated. "More people than ever are acquiring infections that cannot be effectively treated by antibiotics. This puts them at greater risk of serious illness and even death, with our poorest communities hit the hardest."
Particularly concerning was the 9.3% increase in cases of antibiotic-resistant bacteraemia - life-threatening bloodstream infections - which rose from 18,740 in 2023 to 20,484 in 2024.
Professor Hopkins emphasised the importance of responsible antibiotic use, urging the public: "Please remember to only take antibiotics if you have been told to do so by a healthcare professional. Do not save some for later or share them with friends and family. If you have leftover antibiotics, please bring them to a pharmacy for appropriate disposal."
Global health authorities have previously predicted that antimicrobial resistance could cause up to 10 million deaths annually worldwide by 2050 if current trends continue unchecked. The latest UK data underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to preserve the effectiveness of these crucial medicines.
