WS 26 - Antimicrobial Resistance

Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) renders antibiotics ineffective, via the reaction of micro-organisms when exposed to antimicrobial drugs. Misuse of antibiotics, poor infection control and inadequate sanitary conditions across the globe has encouraged the spread of AMR to the detriment of both the economy as well as mortality rates, costing an annual estimated 1.5 billion Euros to the European Union healthcare system and threatening the achievement of the SDGs.

Without effective antimicrobials, standard medical procedures such as organ transplants, cancer chemotherapy, diabetes management and surgery become high risk procedures. The cost of healthcare rises for those affected by AMR due to longer duration of illnesses, additional tests and more expensive drugs. In 2014 approximately 480 000 people developed drug resistant TB, whilst in some countries treatment medication for E Coli is ineffective in more than half the patients. This session focuses upon strategies to ensure both continued funding for medical research as well as efficient production, availability and dissemination of vaccines and other medicines to those who require them.