Addressing the risks of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
Antimicrobial resistance is a major threat to global health across the world, and today’s report states it contributes to over 35,000 deaths a year in the UK. For people with cystic fibrosis (CF), AMR is a significant threat, as they rely on effective medicines to treat lung infections.
The report found:
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AMR is a worldwide threat, and things like trade with other countries, or food safety regulations could affect progress on AMR
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Though the Government missed targets on the 2019-24 National Action Plan, new targets are more achievable and leave room for future ambition
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The Government needs to be more open about progress, and share regular updates
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Diagnostic tools could prevent unsuitable or unnecessary antibiotics. You can read more about the CF AMR Syndicate’s (more info on this below) work on diagnostics here
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AMR should be a core part of the NHS’s work
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Government must keep up-to-date with new developments and research into AMR
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Wastewater and sewage need to be managed carefully, particularly with spills and overflows
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Data collection needs to be prioritised. Our UK CF Registry annual data report for 2023 showed that one in five people with CF had at least one course of intravenous treatment for a CF lung infection
Cystic Fibrosis Trust submitted evidence as part of the review, highlighting the need to prioritise diagnostics to ensure a quicker diagnosis for those who need it most, such as people with CF.
We’re pleased the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) have taken onboard our evidence showing the importance of speedy diagnosis as part of their review into tackling antimicrobial resistance.
Dr Paula Sommer, Head of Research Awards and Partnerships at Cystic Fibrosis Trust
AMR continues to be a serious threat for people with cystic fibrosis, who rely on antimicrobial medicines to treat lung infections, and quick and accurate diagnostics is a key part of this. There’s still so much more to do to stop cystic fibrosis damaging and shortening lives which is why Cystic Fibrosis Trust is a leading partner in the CF AMR Syndicate, which aims to speed up the discovery process for new antimicrobial drugs.
We need your help to fund more research and make sure everyone with CF can live a life unlimited.
As part of the Trust’s research goal, understanding and treating lung infections, we are funding research into some of the most common and dangerous CF infections, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Mycobacterium abscessus, to detect infections faster and develop better treatments.
And this year, we launched an appeal to fund research into AMR – please donate now to support this vital work.
The Trust also jointly manages (with Medicines Discovery Catapult and LifeArc) the CF AMR Syndicate - a cross-sector initiative that brings together leading experts in CF and AMR from industry, academia and the clinic, with people with CF.
CF continues to make too many lives too tough and too short, and Cystic Fibrosis Trust will not stop until everyone with CF can live a life that’s not limited by their condition. To help Cystic Fibrosis Trust fund more important work, click here.