Irish laboratories reported 93 novel or rare antimicrobial resistant organisms last year, up from 32 in 2022
The number of detections of new organisms in Ireland that show a resistance to antibiotics has almost tripled in the space of just three years.
Research carried out in laboratories around the country found that 93 novel or rare antimicrobial resistant organisms (NRAOs) were reported last year, an almost three-fold rise on 2022, when 32 NRAOs were noted.
Last year's figures continue a steady and worrying rise in new threats to antibiotic resistance, with 67 NRAOs detected in 2023.
While 37 laboratories were studied, 12 sites detected new antimicrobial resistant organisms last year, the same number as 2023 and just one more than 2022.
The issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is of global concern, and has been identified by the World Health Organisation as one of the top global public health and development threats.
According to a 2022 Lancet study, it is estimated that bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths.
The leading cause of resistance is the overuse of antibiotics. WHO has pointed to an inadequate research and development pipeline in the face of rising levels of resistance, and an urgent need for additional measures to ensure equitable access to new and existing vaccines, diagnostics and medicines.
The organisation holds an annual World AMR Awareness Week, which in 2025 will take place between November 18 and 24.
The theme for this year's awareness week is 'Act Now: Protect our Present, Secure our Future'. This call to action urges all stakeholders, including governments, civil society, health-care providers, veterinarians, farmers, environmental actors and the public to translate the political commitments into tangible, accountable, life-saving interventions.
"To 'protect our present and secure our future', we must prioritize long-term investment and strategic action in the human, animal and environmental health sectors," a WHO statement said.
"Strengthening surveillance, ensuring equitable access to quality medicines and diagnostics, fostering innovation and building resilient systems all require long-term commitment and resources."