Targeted Action and Financing the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance in Asia 2025

Deaths attributable to bacterial antimicrobial resistance, globally and by sub-regions in Asia (1990-2021)FIGURE 3Number of deaths (thousands) Global Asia South Asia East Asia Southeast AsiaYear1,400 1,200 1,000 800 600 400 200 0 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 Note: See endnote for geographical coverage included in each region on this graph.50 Source: The raw data for this graph comes from Naghavi et al. The Lancet, 2024.51 Ageing populations are particularly vulnerable to AMR. A recent longitudinal analysis by The Lancet showed that while deaths from AMR in under-fives fell by more than half from 1990 to 2021 (due mainly to prevention of infection), deaths among the over- 70s increased by more than 80% over the same period.52 As shown in Figure 4, this global trend holds true in Asia. The region’s rapidly ageing population therefore finds itself in the crosshairs.53 By 2050, one-quarter of Asia’s population will be over 60 years old.54 This shift in demographics highlights the imperative for urgent and coordinated action to tackle AMR in Asia.2.2 Asia’s rapidly changing demographics Deaths from AMR among the over-70s increased by more than 80% from 1990 to 2021. Targeted Action and Financing the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance in Asia 13