Drug-resistant superbugs projected to kill 39 million by 2050

Antimicrobial resistance is a natural phenomenon, but the overuse and misuse of antibiotics has made the problem worse. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 17 September 2024
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Drug-resistant superbugs projected to kill 39 million by 2050

  • Superbugs — strains of bacteria or pathogens that have become resistant to antibiotics, making them much harder to treat — have been recognized as a rising threat to global health

PARIS: Infections of drug-resistant superbugs are projected to kill nearly 40 million people over the next 25 years, a global analysis predicted on Monday, as the researchers called for action to avoid this grim scenario.
Superbugs — strains of bacteria or pathogens that have become resistant to antibiotics, making them much harder to treat — have been recognized as a rising threat to global health.
The analysis has been billed as the first research to track the global impact of superbugs over time, and estimate what could happen next.
More than a million people died from the superbugs — also called antimicrobial resistance (AMR) — a year across the world between 1990 and 2021, according to the study in The Lancet journal.
Deaths among children under five from superbugs actually fell by more than 50 percent over the last three decades, the study said, due to improving measures to prevent and control infections for infants.
However when children now catch superbugs, the infections are much harder to treat.
And deaths of over-70s have surged by more than 80 percent over the same period, as an aging population became more vulnerable to infection.
Deaths from infections of MRSA, a type of staph bacteria that has become resistant to many antibiotics, doubled to 130,000 in 2021 from three decades earlier, the study said.
The researchers used modelling to estimate that — based on current trends — the number of direct deaths from AMR would rise by 67 percent to reach nearly two million a year by 2050.
It will also play a role in a further 8.2 million annual deaths, a jump of nearly 75 percent, according to the modelling.
Under this scenario, AMR will have directly killed 39 million people over the next quarter century, and contributed to a total of 169 million deaths, it added.
But less dire scenarios are also possible.
If the world works to improve care for severe infections and access to antimicrobial drugs, it could save the lives of 92 million people by 2050, the modelling suggested.
“These findings highlight that AMR has been a significant global health threat for decades and that this threat is growing,” study co-author Mohsen Naghavi of the US-based Institute of Health Metrics said in a statement.
The researchers looked at 22 pathogens, 84 combinations of drugs and pathogens, and 11 infectious syndromes such as meningitis. The study involved data from 520 million individual records across 204 countries and territories.
It was released ahead of a high-level AMR meeting at the United Nations scheduled for September 26.
Antimicrobial resistance is a natural phenomenon, but the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans, animals and plants has made the problem worse.


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Awani’ restaurant

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Updated 11 October 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Awani’ restaurant

  • Awani’s menu boasts a great selection of mezze (cold and hot appetizers), salads, seasoned grilled meats, and hearty stews

Experience the flavor festival of Levantine cuisine at Awani, a restaurant serving delicious meals resembling the comforting taste of home away from home.

Levantine cuisine consists of dishes from Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Jordan. It is known for its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors.

Awani’s menu boasts a great selection of mezze (cold and hot appetizers), salads, seasoned grilled meats, and hearty stews.

Starting strong with Awani’s signature salads, the tabbouleh and fattoush may seem like simple dishes offered in most Levantine restaurants, but in Awani, they are a gastronomic experience, complemented by homemade dressings: a lemon-based dressing for the tabbouleh and a pomegranate molasses dressing for the fattoush.

The tabbouleh’s dressing gives it a nice tangy kick, perfect to combine with their stews or mixed grills for additional flavor.

For a more refreshing option, the fattoush is crispy from its toasted pita bread pieces and crunchy lettuce and green capsicum.

The kafta tomato meal is a ground meat stew cooked with potatoes and tomatoes. This stew is served with the classic Lebanese rice, consisting of long grain rice and toasted vermicelli noodles. This dish comes in a combo option served with a choice of salad and dessert, making it the perfect three-course meal.

Awani’s must-try dishes include the chicken fatteh and shish tawook, a grilled chicken served with a savory garlic sauce and crispy french fries.  

Finish your meal with a mulahabia, a classic Middle Eastern milk pudding infused with orange blossom water, giving it a sweet floral flavor.

Awani was first established in the UAE and then expanded to Saudi Arabia, with three locations in Riyadh: Olaya, Nakheel Mall, and Zone Mall.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Patisserie Mo Mashat in Jeddah

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Updated 08 October 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: Patisserie Mo Mashat in Jeddah

  • Cheesecake enthusiasts will find something to love with options including strawberry, blueberry, mango, and even coffee-flavored varieties

If you are searching for a charming cafe that blends French elegance with a modern twist, Patisserie Mo Mashat on Prince Sultan Road, Al-Basateen district, is the place to go.

This newly-opened spot in Jeddah offers an array of artisanal French pastries, cakes and beverages, creating a haven for dessert enthusiasts, whether dining in or taking the treats to-go.

As you step in, the cafe’s welcoming ambiance instantly catches the eye. Large windows fill the space with natural light, while the blend of industrial and other elements — including gold chandeliers and exposed piping — adds a contemporary touch.

Cozy seating with patterned cushions invites one to sit back and enjoy the treats, making it an ideal spot for a casual, comfortable visit.

The star is, of course, the baked goods. The croissants, particularly the crispy pesto mozzarella and almond varieties, are a standout — delicate, flaky, and packed with flavor.

These freshly baked delights embody the essence of French baking, making them a must-try. Alongside the croissants, the mixed-berry Danish and pecan tarts offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

Their cake selection ranges from the rich chocolate hazelnut to the bestselling raspberry mille-feuille. Each cake is carefully crafted with fresh ingredients, offering unique flavors including the refreshing mango tres leches and the indulgent caramel pecan offering.

Cheesecake enthusiasts will find something to love with options including strawberry, blueberry, mango, and even coffee-flavored varieties.

The venue has an impressive drinks menu, with a selection of hot and cold coffees as well as refreshing mojitos. Whether you prefer a simple latte to pair with your pastry or something a little more adventurous like a flavored mojito, there is something for everyone.

What truly distinguishes Patisserie Mo Mashat is not only the high quality of its pastries but also the surprisingly affordable pricing.

Check @patisserie_mo on Instagram for more details.

 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Operation Seafood’ in Jeddah

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Updated 07 October 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Operation Seafood’ in Jeddah

Located in Jeddah’s Al-Zahra district, Operation Seafood provides a memorable dining experience for lovers of this type of cuisine. With mouth-watering appetizers and expertly prepared main courses, there is something for everyone in this intimate, casual setting.

The menu boasts an impressive variety, from dynamite fish to shrimp and oysters, ensuring flavorful dishes that impress.

Appetizers include standout cream soups, along with refreshing Rocca salad with shrimp, and celery salad with squid. Hot options to warm the palate include fish kofta and decadent crab with cream and cheese.

Operation Seafood excels in main courses, offering bags filled with shrimp, crabs, mussels and lobsters, customizable with three spice levels of hot, medium or light. Rich sauces to enhance each dish include cajun, lemon garlic, or creamy lemon.

Noteworthy tajin dishes include shrimp pasta and fish fillet with tahina, blending traditional preparation with contemporary techniques.

For sharing, generous medium and large platters feature fried fish, calamari, shrimp, and crabs over Sayadia or white rice — perfect for family or group dining. Grilled options to enhance flavors include salmon and shrimp.

Fried shrimp and calamari baskets offer a satisfying crunch, while Thai-inspired shrimp noodles and tajin shrimp with curry provide exciting flavors for adventurous eaters.

Check @operation_seafood on Instagram for more details.

 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Lumiere’ Restaurant in Dammam

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Updated 06 October 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Lumiere’ Restaurant in Dammam

  • For the main course, the butter chicken was a highlight, with tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce bursting with flavor, a must-try dish

Lumiere, located in Dammam’s Al-Shatie district, blends spaciousness and elegance in a welcoming atmosphere.

The restaurant is bathed in natural sunlight, creating a warm and inviting setting with a mix of classic and modern decor in soothing colors, perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.

The menu offers a wide variety of choices, from breakfast and salads to appetizers, pasta, and sweets. I started with the standout corn and sour cream appetizer — sweet, crunchy corn paired with tangy sour cream, a simple yet delightful dish.

For the main course, the butter chicken was a highlight, with tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce bursting with flavor, a must-try dish.

To end the meal, the San Sebastian cheesecake delivered a creamy texture and balanced sweetness, a perfect conclusion.

The Arabic coffee, infused with cardamom and saffron, was also a standout — rich, aromatic, and hard to resist.

With ample parking and a prime location, Lumiere offers a dining experience with delicious food, beautiful decor, and a warm atmosphere.

Check @lumiereksa on Instagram for more details.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Cleaver Burger in Riyadh

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Updated 06 October 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: Cleaver Burger in Riyadh

  • The brisket croquette and meat cheese finger are great side dishes, each offering a burst of savory meaty richness

Cleaver Burger has become a popular destination in Riyadh’s fast-growing burger scene, for both casual diners and enthusiasts alike.

With three branches across the city, the restaurant delivers reasonably priced high-quality meals, making it an accessible option for anyone craving a satisfying bite.

My visit to Cleaver Burger left me thoroughly impressed — particularly with its eponymous signature dish, which features a juicy, tender wagyu beef patty that stands out for its rich, full flavor. The perfectly toasted bun, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and special house sauce create an ideal balance of flavors, making every bite an indulgence in savory goodness.

In addition to the Cleaver Burger, I tried the steak sandwich, chicken burger, and truffle burger. While the steak sandwich and chicken burger were solid, the truffle burger offered a more adventurous option — perfect for those who enjoy bold, earthy flavors.

The brisket croquette and meat cheese finger are great side dishes, each offering a burst of savory meaty richness.

The real surprise, however, came in the form of Cleaver Burger’s fries. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and perfectly seasoned, they easily rank among the best fries I’ve had in Riyadh. Whether you enjoy them alongside your burger or as a standalone snack, they are a must-try.

With its consistent quality, flavorful dishes, and affordable prices, Cleaver Burger is a top pick for anyone looking for a great burger in the Kingdom’s capital.