Systemic antibiotic overuse in agriculture and medicine fuels resistance; solutions require global cooperation and policy reform
Original framing: “Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem, but solutions do exist – expert Q&A” — The Conversation - Global
Scientific evidence shows that antibiotic resistance is driven by both overuse in human medicine and agriculture. Studies indicate that up to 70% of antibiotics used globally are in livestock, where they are often used prophylactically rather than therapeutically.
Antibiotic resistance is not merely a medical crisis but a systemic failure rooted in industrial agriculture, corporate interests, and weak public health infrastructure.
Indigenous knowledge and cross-cultural practices offer sustainable alternatives, while historical analysis reveals how colonial-era medical practices laid the groundwork for modern overuse. A holistic solution requires regulatory reform, investment in alternative therapies, and the inclusion of marginalized voices in global health policy. By integrating scientific evidence with traditional wisdom and future modeling, we can shift from a reactive to a preventive approach that prioritizes long-term public health over short-term profit.