New action plan against antimicrobial resistance

The European Commission has launched today its new EU action plan to tackle antimicrobial resistance The ability of microorganisms (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi) to survive exposure to antimicrobials. This phenomenon, driven largely by the overuse and misuse of antimicrobial agents (e.g. antibiotics, fungicides used as plant protection agents, etc), makes infections harder to treat and poses a significant threat to public health. (AMR) – a growing threat that is responsible for 25,000 deaths in the EU every year.

The action plan is built around three pillars:

• Make Europe a best practice region
• Boost research, development and innovation
• Shape the global agenda

Jaana Husu-Kallio, Chair of EFSA’s Management Board and also member of the UN Interagency Coordination Group on Antimicrobial Resistance said: “Scientific evidence has shown that human health and animal health are interconnected. EFSA experts will continue to support the global fight against antimicrobial resistance by investigating the role of food and food-producing animals in transmitting antimicrobial resistance”.

EFSA’s work has contributed to making Europe a best practice region on AMR Abbreviation of “antimicrobial resistance” (see “antimicrobial resistance”). by providing:

• Scientific advice on prudent use of antimicrobials – Experts have reviewed the measures taken in the EU to reduce, replace and re-think the use of antimicrobials in animals
• Evidence–based analysis and data – They have assessed the association between use of antimicrobials in animals and humans and development of resistance.
• One-Health surveillance and reporting – They provided a snapshot of resistance levels in bacteria found in humans, food and animals country by country.