Europe, UK (Commonwealth Union) – The UK government has unveiled its latest initiative, the National Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance, aimed at safeguarding both humans and animals from the looming threat of drug-resistant infections.
This comprehensive plan outlines commitments to reduce the utilization of antimicrobials like antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals in both medical and agricultural settings. It also prioritizes bolstering surveillance mechanisms to detect drug-resistant infections before they become widespread, while also incentivizing the pharmaceutical industry to pioneer new treatment solutions.
A key aspect of the plan involves fostering innovation, including the potential expansion of the groundbreaking ‘subscription model’ for antimicrobials. This model, introduced in 2019 as a pilot program, involves companies receiving fixed annual payments for their antimicrobials based on their value to the National Health Service (NHS), rather than the quantity sold.
Furthermore, the plan is designed to build upon previous achievements and align with the UK’s overarching 20-year vision for antimicrobial resistance. This vision aims to effectively contain, control, and mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR), thereby safeguarding public health and minimizing the risk of disease outbreaks, severe illnesses, disabilities, and fatalities.
“Almost 8,000 people in the UK die from drug resistant infections every year. If this continues to spread, common infections and injuries that were once easily treatable become harder, and in some cases impossible, to treat,” said Health Minister Maria Caulfield.
Due to the serious nature of antimicrobial resistance efforts have been taken across the world, drawing attention to the issue.
In 2022, the government allocated £210 million to collaborate with nations in Asia and Africa, aiming to combat AMR and mitigate its risk to the UK via the Fleming Fund.
The toll of infections resistant to antibiotics resulted in an estimated 1.27 million deaths worldwide in 2019. The UK government indicated that it is steadfast in its dedication to spearheading the international campaign against AMR, utilizing its expertise and domestic insights to adopt a holistic strategy.
