The environment is an important factor in the development, transmission, and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to humans, animals, and plants. In 2017, the UN Environment Programme recognised increasing AMR linked to the discharge of drugs and particular chemicals into the environment as a significant worrying health threat. Households, hospitals, pharmaceutical plants, and farms are known hotspots for the discharge of antimicrobial compounds into water and soil. The EU has an important role to play in regulating these pollutants and their sources by implementing effective policies and actions within a ‘One Health’ approach.
A leading network of 18 MEPs committed to boosting actions to tackle AMR at EU level, the MEP Interest Group on AMR convened on 17 May to discuss how to curb antimicrobial pollution that is driving the development and spread of AMR, in particular in the context of the Pharmaceutical Strategy and the Zero-Pollution Action Plan.
