The writer is a science commentator
Antimicrobial resistance happens when pathogens — microorganisms that cause disease, like viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites — stop responding to medicines. The World Bank estimates AMR could add $1tn to healthcare costs by 2050.
Now, a survey by the World Health Organization suggests that women could be more exposed than men to such superbugs, thanks to a complex mix of biological, social, cultural and economic factors. It is unclear yet whether that leads to more disease among women but WHO is urging countries to pass on information on sex and gender in their monitoring of drug-resistant infections.