EU Commission unveils 12 concrete actions against antimicrobial resistance for the next five years

With about 25,000 patients dying per year in the European Union from infections caused by drug resistant bacteria and related costs of over 1.5 billion euros ($2.41 billion) in health care expenses and productivity losses, antimicrobial resistance is a growing health problem in the EU. Coinciding with European Antibiotic Awareness Day yesterday, the European Commission has tabled a comprehensive Action Plan on Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which unveils12 concrete actions to be implemented in close cooperation with the member states.

European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy John Dalli said: "We need to take swift and determined action if we do not want to lose antimicrobial medicines as essential treatment against bacterial infections in both humans and animals. The 12 concrete actions for the next five years, that we present today, could help limit the spread of anti-microbial resistance and help develop new anti-microbial treatment. Their success requires joined efforts from the EU, the member states, health care professionals, industry, farmers and many others ".

European Commissioner for Research and Innovation, Maire Geoghegan Quinn, added: "Finding the next generation of antibiotics is crucial if we are to stay ahead of the curve in the face of bacteria and other pathogens which are resistant to drugs. Investment in research and innovation will mean the best possible care for patients, and the Commission is working with industry and EU member states to make this a priority. This commitment will continue under Horizon 2020, our future funding programme for research and innovation."