Global problem requires concerted worldwide response, scientists say

The upcoming G20 meeting, to be held in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, in September will provide a great opportunity for the world's 20 leading economies to elevate the global response to antimicrobial resistance, including healthcare, surveillance and research, and appropriate countermeasures, according to a leading official at the World Health Organization.

"The issue now is a growing global public health problem that threatens to jeopardize healthcare around the world. It will only be contained when it is recognized as such and every country takes steps to address it," said Martin Taylor, team leader of health systems and health security at WHO's China Office, in an exclusive interview with China Daily.

Moreover medical experts say illnesses caused by resistant microbes are becoming more difficult and increasingly expensive to treat.