UK health officials today announced a new 5-year national action plan on antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The 2024 to 2029 national action plan replaces the United Kingdom's previous 5-year plan (2019 to 2024), under which the country saw reductions in the use of antimicrobials in people and food-producing animals, development of improved surveillance systems, and the piloting of a new, subscription-style antibiotic payment scheme within the National Health System. UK officials say the new plan will build on those achievements and contribute to meeting the goals of the country's 20-year vision for AMR.
The plan is organized under four themes: Reducing the need for, and unintentional exposure to, antimicrobials; optimizing the use of antimicrobials; investing in innovation, supply, and access; and being a good global partner. The themes apply to human health and social care, animal health, agriculture, food production, and the environment.
"AMR is not just a matter for clinicians—it is important to work across sectors to help preserve these vital medicines to minimise the impact of AMR," UK Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty, CB, DSc, said in a government press release.
Strategic outcomes
Strategic outcomes within the four themes include developing a "whole systems approach" to infection prevention and control and management; increasing public education and engagement on AMR; strengthening surveillance and antimicrobial and diagnostic stewardship; prioritizing development of new antimicrobials, diagnostics, and vaccines; and maintaining Britain's role as a global leader on AMR.
"We have to work together, across the world, with those countries that need action the most, to make progress and contain AMR," said Dame Sally Davies, UK Special Envoy on AMR.