US and European experts applaud creation of new Transatlantic task force on global antibiotic resistance threat

Experts on both sides of the Atlantic applaud US President Barack Obama and Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, representing the European Union Presidency, for establishing a transatlantic task force to address antibiotic resistance, an urgent and growing problem that threatens patient safety and public health worldwide.

During a summit held last week in Washington DC, President Obama and PM Reinfeldt joined forces to address the urgency of the problem and the need for solutions by signing an international agreement that seeks cooperative ways in which the USA and EU countries can help combat the global health crisis.

A recent report, commissioned by the Swedish government, called for a coordinated strategy of major reforms across Europe to avert a 'potential health crisis' resulting from antibiotic resistance (The Pharma LeAntibiotic resistance, Obama, tter September 17).  This includes support for the development of cost-effective rapid diagnostic tests that are quick and easy to use. It also calls for a major review of the financial, legal and clinical issues surrounding antibiotics to discourage over-prescribing.