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Government announces £85m pledge to tackle international AMR threat
AMR is one of the top ten global health threats and is a key a concern for people with cystic fibrosis (CF), as effective medicines are vital for treating lung infections. There have been no new classes of antibiotics developed for over 30 years.
They have announced up to:
- £50m to support countries and institutions in Africa in accessing essential antimicrobial drugs
- £25m partnering with countries and territories in the Caribbean strengthening surveillance systems for AMR, to identify and tackle outbreaks before they develop
- £10m over the next five years to help establish a Global Independent Scientific Panel for AMR, modelled on the success of other international panels such as the International Panel on Climate Change
£1.8 million has already been pledged to create a dedicated team in the Medical Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) to support diagnostics and create new antimicrobials.
Antimicrobial resistance is a global health threat which is why we’re pleased to see this government pledge to tackle the international threat of AMR today.
Dr Lucy Allen, Director of Research and Healthcare Data at Cystic Fibrosis Trust
AMR is a serious threat for people with cystic fibrosis, who rely on antimicrobial medicines to treat lung infections. The CF AMR Syndicate, of which Cystic Fibrosis Trust is a leading partner, aims to speed up the discovery process for new antimicrobial drugs, using the combined expertise of its members and the wider research community. There’s still so much more to do to stop cystic fibrosis damaging and shortening lives.
Health Minister Stephenson said: “Antimicrobial Resistance could render our most vital medicines useless - it is a threat the world must take extremely seriously.
“This package of up to £85 million builds on the world-leading work the UK government is already doing to support low- and middle-income countries to monitor, research and tackle this disease.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said: “Following my time as Health Secretary, I was deeply concerned about the threat of antimicrobial resistance – not just to the UK but to the world.
“The Covid-19 pandemic was conclusive proof that health emergencies don’t respect borders.
“That’s why I’m proud that the UK continues to play a pivotal role in bringing countries together to tackle emerging global health threats, and this significant funding package shows our commitment to stamping out antimicrobial resistance.”