Bacterial Infections the 'Second Leading Cause of Death Worldwide'

Hand washing is advised to prevent infection with the pathogens S. aureus and E. coli, which are behind a huge number of deaths every year JENS SCHLUETER AFP/File
Hand washing is advised to prevent infection with the pathogens S. aureus and E. coli, which are behind a huge number of deaths every year JENS SCHLUETER AFP/File
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Bacterial Infections the 'Second Leading Cause of Death Worldwide'

Hand washing is advised to prevent infection with the pathogens S. aureus and E. coli, which are behind a huge number of deaths every year JENS SCHLUETER AFP/File
Hand washing is advised to prevent infection with the pathogens S. aureus and E. coli, which are behind a huge number of deaths every year JENS SCHLUETER AFP/File

Bacterial infections are the second leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for one in eight of all deaths in 2019, the first global estimate of their lethality revealed on Tuesday.

The massive new study, published in the Lancet journal, looked at deaths from 33 common bacterial pathogens and 11 types of infection across 204 countries and territories, AFP said.

The pathogens were associated with 7.7 million deaths -- 13.6 percent of the global total -- in 2019, the year before the Covid-19 pandemic took off.

That made them the second-leading cause of death after ischaemic heart disease, which includes heart attacks, the study said.

Just five of the 33 bacteria were responsible for half of those deaths: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

S. aureus is a bacterium common in human skin and nostrils but behind a range of illnesses, while E. coli commonly causes food poisoning.

The study was conducted under the framework of the Global Burden of Disease, a vast research program funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation involving thousands of researchers across the world.

"These new data for the first time reveal the full extent of the global public health challenge posed by bacterial infections," said study co-author Christopher Murray, the director of US-based Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

"It is of utmost importance to put these results on the radar of global health initiatives so that a deeper dive into these deadly pathogens can be conducted and proper investments are made to slash the number of deaths and infections."

The research points to stark differences between poor and wealthy regions.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, there were 230 deaths per 100,000 population from bacterial infections.

That number fell to 52 per 100,000 in what the study called the "high-income super-region" which included countries in Western Europe, North America and Australasia.

The authors called for increased funding, including for new vaccines, to lessen the number of deaths, also warning against "unwarranted antibiotic use".

Hand washing is among the measures advised to prevent infection.



Ramadan Season in Jeddah : ‘Year of Handcrafts’ Boosts Business Growth

The number of visitors surpassed one million during the first week of the season's launch (SPA)
The number of visitors surpassed one million during the first week of the season's launch (SPA)
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Ramadan Season in Jeddah : ‘Year of Handcrafts’ Boosts Business Growth

The number of visitors surpassed one million during the first week of the season's launch (SPA)
The number of visitors surpassed one million during the first week of the season's launch (SPA)

The historic Jeddah area (western Saudi Arabia) blends authentic heritage with the modernity of the city during Ramadan nights, offering visitors a unique experience to explore traditional Ramadan atmospheres.
Visitors are immersed in unforgettable moments of charm and inspiration in this historic area, which has transformed into a vibrant living artwork and a tourist destination for locals, residents, and visitors from around the world.
Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Ramadan Season is being celebrated across cities nationwide, highlighting Saudi traditions through cultural and community events.
Under the slogan “Our Nights Have Returned,” the streets and public spaces have been adorned with decorative lights and installations, creating a magical atmosphere.
Ramadan Season in Jeddah offers a variety of events and activities that provide visitors with an immersive experience full of joy, set against the backdrop of cafes adorned with designs inspired by the region's heritage.
This creates a unique atmosphere where the rich past meets a thriving present.
Additionally, traditional crafts take center stage as a key element of Saudi culture, with specialized workshops held to teach these age-old skills, promoting awareness and highlighting their cultural significance.
In this regard, artisan and soap maker Hashim Al-Shawi told Asharq Al-Awsat: “The designation of 2025 as the Year of Handcrafts has had a positive impact on us, both in terms of support and empowerment, helping us reach more customers.”
“This has contributed to the expansion of our business and increased our participation in the workforce,” added Al-Shawi.
He explained that all of his soap-making tools and materials are 100% locally sourced, noting that the soap is made from seven natural oils.
Al-Shawi also highlighted that he has created 21 different scents, driven by his passion for the craft that has, over the past nine years, evolved into a steady source of income.
Ramadan Season has played a key role in supporting local entrepreneurs by providing small and medium-sized businesses with the opportunity to showcase their products in heritage markets.
This boosts the local economy and offers artisans and artists a platform to display their work.
The Ministry of Culture aims, during the Season, to offer a rich cultural experience that combines enjoyment with knowledge.
It highlights the cherished Ramadan customs and traditions, enhancing cultural awareness and reinforcing the social values that distinguish Saudi society during the holy month.