WALKING THE TALK ON ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE – TODAY’S ACTIONS FOR A HEALTHIER TOMORROW

April, 24, 2018

WALKING THE TALK ON ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE – TODAY’S ACTIONS FOR A HEALTHIER TOMORROW

This report does not intend to merely echo the well identified priorities by the European Commission to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR), notably in the 2017 EU AMR Action Plan and the EU Prudent Use Guidelines.¹ We rather aim to present a non-exhaustive list of areas where closer cooperation can add value, and specific actions that, if properly implemented, can take us forward in the fight against AMR:

1. We suggest establishing an EU-level multi-stakeholder platform with clear accountability mechanisms, to support the work of the AMR One Health Network.
2. Member States should consolidate their governance infrastructure to implement AMR strategies, defining clear targets and responsibilities at appropriate levels.
3. The scope of the work of the European Reference Networks should be expanded to cover emerging multi-drug resistant infections, the improvement of patient treatment across the EU and the rapid exchange and analysis of data.
4. Given the key role pharmacists play in raising awareness about AMR, preventing infections and facilitating appropriate use of antibiotics, they should be enabled to act as “public health ambassadors” and to e.g. administer influenza vaccinations.
5. Per-unit dispensing of antibiotics should be expanded across Member States to increase appropriate use, adherence to treatment and reduce environmental impact.
6. We call for a shift towards a prevention-based approach in animal health to decrease the need for antibiotics. We also propose measures to increase transparency in the food chain to empower consumers to make informed choices.
7. We emphasise the importance of continuous education of healthcare professionals on AMR, and argue that prescription practices should be evidence-based.
8. EU Member States should expand the use of green public procurement of antibiotics to promote a “race to the top” in terms of sustainability.
9. New sustainable economic models should be implemented to incentivise both early and late-stage R&D in new antibiotics and vaccines targeting areas of unmet need.
10. The EU should aim to export its best practices to third countries, including by leveraging trade and development policy tools.

Walking the Talk on Antimicrobial Resistance