February 2024
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This conference discussed next steps for tackling antimicrobial resistance in the UK.
It was a timely opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to examine priorities for the new AMR action plan expected next year, with the current 5-year action plan coming to an end.
Delegates reviewed progress in the UK’s 20-year vision for antimicrobial resistance, development of new antibiotics, and the impact of funding set out in the Global AMR Innovation Fund to advance early development of new antibiotics.
Further areas for discussion included innovation and opportunities for the use of new technologies such as AI in streamlining the development of new antibiotics, international collaboration and next steps for UK international leadership in tackling AMR, and priorities for the UN General Assembly high-level meeting on AMR taking place this year.
Further sessions looked at best practice and priorities for surveillance, and the role of integrated care systems in local coordination, prescribing and patient awareness.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Professor Dame Sally Davies, UK Special Envoy, Antimicrobial Resistance; Morwenna Carrington, Deputy Director, UK Health Security, DHSC; Deborah O'Neil, Chief Executive Officer, NovaBiotics; and Professor Lord Darzi of Denham, Chair, The Fleming Initiative.
Overall, areas for discussion included:
- the current state of AMR: progress so far with the UK 5-year AMR action plan and priorities beyond
- healthcare delivery: the role of NHS institutions in addressing AMR and enhancing patient safety - plans for improving infection prevention and control measures within healthcare facilities
- research: emerging resistance mechanisms - surveillance methods - innovative approaches to treatment - investment priorities to support development of new antibiotics and diagnostic tools
- pharmaceuticals: incentivising drug development and promoting responsible antibiotic use - latest thinking on addressing issues of profitability and regulatory hurdles for antibiotic development
- prescribing:
- developments, responsibility and best practice
- education, information and supporting behaviour change of both healthcare providers and the public - strategies for implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs
- collaboration: improving joint working between government, healthcare and the pharmaceutical sector - strategies for policy, government support, regulatory reform and international relationships
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DAERA, NI; DBT; Defra, DHSC; FSA; FSA, NI; FSS; HM Treasury; HSE; MHRA; VMD; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.
