Professor Kim Hong-bin, a specialist in infectious diseases, vaccination, and antibiotic resistance at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH), has been appointed to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Strategic and Technical Advisory Group for Antimicrobial Resistance (STAG-AMR), the hospital said. His term will last three years.

WHO has identified the emergence of antibiotic-resistant superbugs and the broader issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the “top ten global public health threats,” urging a worldwide response. 

According to WHO, AMR causes approximately 1.2 million deaths annually. This number could rise to 10 million per year by 2050 if the misuse and overuse of antibiotics continue.

STAG-AMR plays a key role in the development, implementation, and promotion of the Global Action Plan (GAP) on antimicrobial resistance.

Professor Kim’s appointment is significant as it marks the involvement of a Korean medical expert in offering specialized advice on global strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance under the WHO’s purview, SNUBH said.

“Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant global threat, but awareness and responses have been inadequate compared to its dangers,” Professor Kim said.“As a committee member, I will strive to foster international efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance.”

Professor Kim also emphasized his commitment to working closely with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and other international bodies to ensure the GAP reflects the diverse realities of various countries.