Pharmaceutical pollution is a global threat to ecosystems and human health. 771 different pharmaceutical substances have been detected in the environment across the world to date. As global consumption of human and veterinary medicines increases, this problem will only get worse. 

UN Environment has identified growing AMR linked to the discharge of antimicrobials into the environment as one of the most worrying health threats today. As wastewater treatment plants have limited capacities to remove antimicrobial residues, the role of the environment as a reservoir for AMR is particularly concerning.

Last year, the European Commission released a Strategic Approach to mitigate the impact of pharmaceutical pollution. In September, the Parliament adopted a strong resolution calling for bolder action with clear recommendations, including on antimicrobial residues that can act as a driver for AMR development in the environment.

The panelists discussed how the upcoming EU Pharmaceutical Strategy could address the environmental implications of production, use and disposal of antimicrobials, what could be done to achieve a zero-pollution ambition in relation to antimicrobial residues, and the lessons which could be learned from Member States to address environmental AMR.

Caroline Moermond

Senior Advisor on Pharmaceuticals and the Environment

Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)

Hans Stielstra

Deputy Head of Unit for Clean Water

European Commission