Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to public health, requiring immediate attention from both policymakers and citizens alike. As the European Health Union strives to combat this growing concern, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has recently published new data that sheds light on the progress made between 2019 and 2022. With European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD) fast approaching, these findings serve as a reminder of the crucial role we all play in combating AMR.
Progress and Challenges:
The ECDC’s data reveals an overall decline in the long-term use of antibiotics across the EU/EEA region during the specified period. However, a concerning trend has emerged as antibiotic consumption showed an increase in 2022. This rise can be attributed to Europeans reverting back to their pre-COVID-19 lifestyles, highlighting the need for continued vigilance in addressing AMR.
The Toll of AMR:
A study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), on behalf of the European Commission, revealed that AMR imposes a staggering cost of €11.7 billion on EU/EEA countries annually. The study further emphasizes the impact of AMR interventions, suggesting that each EU/EEA country investing merely €3.40 per capita annually on preventive measures in human health and food sectors could prevent thousands of deaths, hundreds of thousands of new infections, and save billions for their respective healthcare systems.
The Call for Urgent Action:
Stella Kyriakides, the commissioner for health and food safety, recognizes the urgency of the situation, stating that tackling AMR is both a public health priority and an economic necessity. The concerning figures call for decisive and ambitious action to prevent further escalation of this crisis. Collaboration among member states, stakeholders, and citizens is paramount in ensuring the achievement of the agreed-upon targets.
Embedding AMR in Pharmaceutical Legislation:
Recognizing the multifaceted nature of the problem, AMR has been incorporated into the recent revision of pharmaceutical legislation in a One Health approach. By addressing AMR alongside other health challenges, the European Union demonstrates its commitment to combatting this issue holistically. In June 2023, EU Health Ministers endorsed a Commission proposal outlining specific actions to combat AMR. They agreed upon a target to reduce the consumption of antimicrobials in humans by 20% and to halve the overall sales of antimicrobials used in farmed animals and aquaculture by 2030.
Tackling antimicrobial resistance remains a pressing public health concern requiring collaborative efforts at all levels. The ECDC’s data highlights both progress and challenges in combating AMR, urging us to stay vigilant in the face of the ongoing pandemic. The figures presented also underscore the economic implications of inaction. By embracing a One Health approach, along with the proposed actions and targets, the European Union demonstrates its commitment to curbing the rise of AMR.
Market Capital Research 