PUSH TO MAKE AMR A LEADING POLICY ISSUE

Thought leaders from around the United Kingdom have met at the House of Commons to discuss one of the greatest health challenges faced by Europe – the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The forum follows the publication of a hard hitting report earlier this year: ‘Tackling Drug-Resistant Infections Globally: Final Report and Recommendations’, which highlighted the importance of confronting AMR globally, but also the potential of preventative measures, such as improving hygiene, sanitation and  vaccination.

Leaders received an in-depth briefing on the findings of that report, led by Lord Jim O’Neill, Baron O’Neill of Gatley, and heard the views of leading speakers in the field, including Jeremy Knox, Deputy Head, UK Prime Minister’s AMR Review Team, on why AMR continues to be an important policy issue.

AMR arises when the micro-organisms that cause infection (e.g.  bacteria) survive exposure to an antimicrobial medicine that would normally kill them or stop their growth. AMR is associated with high mortality levels and economic burden and global actions are needed urgently to slow down the emergence of resistance to essential medicines. Every year, 700,000 deaths occur due to infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria, HIV, TB or malaria.

Sultan Dajani: Independent UK Community Pharmacist and member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and Pharmaceutical Group of The European Union said:
“Antimicrobial resistance presents a significant problem for our societies and healthcare systems. We know that by 2050, 10 million lives per year and US$100 trillion of global economic output are at risk if AMR is not slowed down. Drug-resistant infections are already costing too many lives, so it is imperative we work together to ensure the recommendations of the report are implemented as soon as possible.”

The AMR report recommended ten ways to address the overuse of antibiotics, including alternative strategies such as vaccination. Specific discussion during the briefing session focused on opportunities and challenges for stakeholders in the UK when working together to tackle AMR. Vaccination and its role in alleviating morbidity and mortality associated with infectious disease, such as influenza, was also addressed. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that vaccination saves between two and three million lives each year.

Minister Nicola Blackwood MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Public Health said: “I am proud of the UK’s leading role in bringing antimicrobial resistance to the world stage – as proven by the UN Declaration signed by every country just last month, but it’s vital that we maintain the momentum to tackle this global threat.”