Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health threat. Drug-resistant microorganisms can cause infections that are difficult or impossible to treat, and they can lead to death. The European Union (EU) has taken a leading role in the fight against AMR, and on 13th June 13 2023, the Council of the EU adopted a recommendation to step up EU action to combat AMR.
The recommendation focuses on three key areas:
- Monitoring and reducing antimicrobial consumption: The recommendation calls on EU countries to strengthen their systems for monitoring and reducing antimicrobial consumption in human and animal health. This includes setting targets for reducing antimicrobial use, and providing incentives for healthcare professionals and farmers to use antimicrobials more prudently.
- Enhancing research and development: The recommendation calls for increased investment in research and development of new antimicrobials, diagnostics, and vaccines. This is essential to ensure that we have new tools to fight AMR in the future.
- Improving awareness and education: The recommendation calls for raising awareness of AMR among the public, healthcare professionals, and farmers. This is important to ensure that people understand the risks of AMR and how they can help to prevent it.
The adoption of this recommendation is a significant step forward in the fight against AMR. The commitment is important in enhancing work within the EU and between partners to help ensure we collectively meet the challenges of AMR in the years to come. It is important that EU countries implement the recommendation effectively in order to make real progress in tackling this global health threat.
The adoption of these recommendations are intrinsically related to One Health issues. One Health is an approach that recognizes that the health of humans, animals, and the environment are interconnected. AMR is a One Health issue because it can be transmitted between humans, animals, and the environment.
For example, the overuse of antimicrobials in livestock can lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria that can then be transmitted to humans through food or contact with animals. Similarly, the use of antimicrobials in agriculture can contaminate water supplies, which can then lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria in humans who come into contact with the water.
In addition, AMR can also be transmitted through the environment. For example, bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics can live in soil and water, and they can be picked up by animals or humans who come into contact with these environments.
Addressing AMR requires a One Health approach that brings together experts from the human, animal, and environmental health sectors. This approach will help to ensure that we are taking a comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing this global health threat.
AMR can be transmitted between humans, animals, and the environment in the following ways:
- Humans to animals: Humans can transmit drug-resistant bacteria to animals through contact with their skin or bodily fluids, or through the consumption of contaminated food or water.
- Animals to humans: Animals can transmit drug-resistant bacteria to humans through contact with their skin or bodily fluids, or through the consumption of contaminated food or water.
- Environment to humans: Drug-resistant bacteria can be found in the environment, such as in soil, water, and air. Humans can come into contact with these bacteria through activities such as farming, gardening, and swimming.
AMR is a complex issue with many contributing factors. However, the One Health approach provides a framework for addressing AMR in a comprehensive and coordinated way. By working together, experts from the human, animal, and environmental health sectors can make progress in preventing the spread of AMR and protecting human health.
To read more see the Council of the EU Press Release