Eva Hrncirova, Spokesperson for Health at the European Commission, explains the measures in place to help tackle the growing threat of AMR both in the EU and worldwide.
Each year throughout the European Union (EU), Iceland and Norway, more than 35,000 people die from antibiotic-resistant infections. The issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) also has a significant economic impact, placing particular financial strain on the health sector.
Recognising the severity of the issue, the European Commission and Member States identified AMR as one of the top three priority health threats in 2022. With a continued rise in resistance predicted to result in an estimated 10 million deaths globally each year, the European Union has implemented a series of actions with a goal of drastically reducing the threat of AMR.
The Innovation Platform spoke to Eva Hrncirova, Spokesperson for Health at the European Commission, to learn what these actions are and find out how they fit with global priorities for tackling AMR.
Why is EU action against AMR so vital?
Taking action against antimicrobial resistance is crucial to address the growing resistance to antimicrobial agents, including antibiotics.
Antimicrobial resistance can result in increased suffering and death for both humans and animals who can no longer be effectively treated for infections. This resistance also drives up healthcare costs due to longer treatment periods and imposes a broader societal burden through reduced productivity. Furthermore, on a global scale, antimicrobial resistance threatens food production, food security, food safety, and economic competitiveness.
What are the European Commission’s main objectives and initiatives when it comes to tackling AMR?
The European Commission has been tackling the emergence and spread of AMR for two decades, implementing both legislation and various support measures to assist Member States in addressing this critical issue.
This focused effort has positioned the EU as a global leader in AMR management, with key objectives including boosting research, development, and innovation, as well as shaping the global agenda to encourage other countries and regions to adopt our best practices.
For example, our Joint Action on Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare-Associated Infections (JAMRAI) is one of the key initiatives supported by the European Commission to assist EU Member States in implementing their national action plans on AMR. It provides a collaborative platform for sharing best practices, setting targets, and strengthening the implementation of prudent antimicrobial use and strategies to mitigate AMR. Through this initiative, the EU aims to ensure that Member States work together to address AMR effectively, aligning their efforts to reduce the threat posed by resistant infections in both human and animal health.
How do these actions align with global goals?
The efforts to fight AMR – particularly against antibiotic resistance – are built on shared pillars embraced by both the EU and the global community. These pillars rest on a One Health, cross-sectorial approach and include raising awareness and educating about AMR, promoting the responsible and prudent use of antimicrobials, implementing preventive measures to reduce the risk of infectious diseases, and advancing knowledge through access to data that supports effective and accurate interventions. Additionally, investing in the development of new treatments and antimicrobials remains crucial.
The EU goals align with the global goals and we play an active role in all these areas, not only advocating in international forums but also contributing financially and sharing knowledge and best practices with the world.
What are the key research and innovation activities helping to tackle the threat of AMR in the EU?
The EU is actively involved in numerous research and innovation activities to tackle AMR.
Our flagship research and innovation programme, Horizon Europe, funds projects related to AMR, focusing on the development of new antibiotics, diagnostics and alternative therapies.
A public-private partnership between the EU and the pharmaceutical industry, the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI), further supports collaborative projects to accelerate the development of new treatments and diagnostics.
The EU also collaborates actively with other countries and organisations to co-ordinate and promote AMR research globally, through the Global AMR R&D Hub, including 15 countries, the European Commission, and two philanthropic foundations, and through the Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance (JPIAMR). In 2023, JPIAMR awarded €20.8m to 17 projects involving 93 partners from 23 different countries.
Both initiatives exemplify the EU’s dedication to fostering international collaboration and innovation to address AMR effectively.
Can you explain more about the AMR European One Health Action Plans against Antimicrobial Resistance?
The EU has adopted two major ‘One Health Action Plans’ to address AMR, the first one in 2011, with an EU focus, primarily focusing on human and veterinary medicine, and the current one in 2017.
The 2017 Action Plan is still active and continues to guide EU policy on AMR. It adds on the environmental aspects and has a more holistic international perspective.
It reflects the lessons learned from the first action plan and strengthens EU leadership on AMR. Its success lies in fostering co-operation between EU Member States and globally.
Future efforts focus on further enhancing surveillance, promoting innovation, and maintaining a One Health approach to tackle AMR comprehensively.
Can you elaborate on the work of the Antimicrobial Resistance One Health Network?
Our AMR One Health Network is a collaborative platform uniting representatives from all 27 EU Member States and stakeholders to tackle AMR through a One Health approach. It facilitates co-ordination and co-operation by sharing information, best practices, and strategies across sectors. Members include officials from national ministries and stakeholders from international organisations, industry, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The network holds biannual meetings to discuss progress, share experiences, and co-ordinate national action plans, providing a platform for countries to present their initiatives, challenges, and successes in addressing AMR.
How do you measure progress in the reduction of AMR?
The EU aims to reduce antibiotic consumption in the human health sector by 20% by 2030 as part of its broader strategy to curb antimicrobial resistance.
To support this goal, the EU has established non-binding, recommended targets developed in collaboration with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). These targets focus on reducing overall antibiotic consumption, prioritising the use of antimicrobials from the access group for human health, and minimising bloodstream infections caused by resistant pathogens. The EU is helping Member States to get there, with support measures including funding through the EU4Health programme and technical assistance via the Technical Support Instrument (TSI).
The EU remains committed to meeting the target through continued collaboration and focused national efforts.
For more information on the current situation, please consult the latest data from ECDC.
Please note, this article will also appear in the 22nd edition of our quarterly publication.
