Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. In April 2014, the World Health Organisation released a special report on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which states that “Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasingly serious threat to global public health. […] The problem is so serious that it threatens the achievements of modern medicine. A post-antibiotic era — in which common infections and minor injuries can kill — is a very real possibility for the 21st century.”

Because antibiotic resistance raises the risk of treatment failure for common infections, thereby increasing morbidity and mortality, it could have significant impact on society & insurance.

Is the (re)insurance industry ready to cope? What can insurers do to better understand this emerging risk?

Watch the video of Dr Irene Merk, Head of Emerging Risk at SCOR Global Life, talking about antimicrobial resistance during the 14th Global Ageing Conference held in Zurich in November.

Pathways to antimicrobial resistance

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