Antimicrobial Resistance in the UK: Therapeutics and Vaccines
23 November 2023 publication
The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most urgent global threats to public health in the 21st century. AMR refers to disease-causing microbes (known as a pathogens) evolving and gaining resistance to drugs and substances that were once effective treatments against infections (antimicrobials). It poses significant challenges to clinical care, health economies, animal and plant health as well as the environment. Microbiologists from across the world are committed to developing innovative solutions to combat AMR.
Investing time and resources into developing innovative preventative and treatment solutions is crucial if we are to keep pace with the emergence of AMR. Delivery of therapeutics and vaccines will require strong, consistent government support, including funding for research on antimicrobial discovery and alternative therapies, financial incentives for the development of new antimicrobial drugs, and the facilitation of cross sector collaboration embedded within the One Health agenda, which recognises that resistant microbes arising in humans, animals or the environment may spread from one to the other.
The Microbiology Society is taking a solutions focused approach with the ‘Knocking Out AMR’ project, by working with its members to facilitate collaborations, acting as a conduit for knowledge and evidence, and bridging the gap between research and policy. We have access to experts across sectors and are well-placed to support the Government in its efforts to tackle AMR.
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