For years now, experts have been warning about a pandemic quietly spreading across the globe due to misuse and overuse of antimicrobials. For years, EPHA, the AMR Stakeholder Network, and the MEP Interest Group on AMR have been working to raise awareness on the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), calling for it to be higher on the political agenda, and for actions that tackle all One Health dimensions.
Recently, there have been a number of initiatives and developments at the EU level that signal an increased attention dedicated to AMR. The restructuring of DG SANTE spurs to mind. With a new Directorate for One Health, to feature AMR prominently, this change is said to be profound and reflective of a new approach.
What is now crucial is that this momentum and attention are utilized to develop concrete actions and implementation plans. Specific timelines, targets and policy measures need to be agreed on to bring about meaningful change. Innovative collaborations and approaches will be essential.
Meanwhile, a DG SANTE report published just days ago points to a lack of budgeting, operational, monitoring and evaluation information in Member States’ One Health AMR national action plans (NAPs). The same report confirms the negative impact that COVID-19 has had on the fight against AMR and the limited actions regarding environmental AMR. The guest article from the Bulgarian Association for Patients’ Rights Defence highlights the different challenges that member states from across the EU face in tackling AMR, from resource availability to societal practices around use and prescription of antibiotics.
With this year’s World Antimicrobial Awareness Week just behind us, we are now looking ahead at what 2023 may bring us. Reflecting on the previous Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU, in 2009, which made antimicrobial development a priority, we are hopeful that the upcoming Swedish presidency will provide an opportunity to step up AMR efforts. We are also looking forward to the Commission’s proposal for Council Recommendation on AMR, scheduled to be adopted in the upcoming months, together with the pharma legislative package.
Meanwhile, EPHA’s work will continue to reflect on the different facets of fighting AMR, ranging from research priorities and incentives for new antibiotics, to animal farming and the global dimension, and always highlighting the importance of One Health and meaningful dialogue with civil society as part of the decision-making process.
