In 2019, there were an estimated 7,600 deaths directly from
infections resistant to antibiotics (similar to the number of
deaths in the UK due to stomach cancer), as well as 35,200 deaths
as an indirect result of infections resistant to antibiotics.
Even if the patient survives, resistance makes infections far
more serious and difficult to treat successfully.
But simple steps to prevent infections and avoid the
inappropriate use of antibiotics in humans and animals can help
prevent some of these deaths.
The UK antimicrobial resistance national action plan 2024-29 was
launched today (Wednesday 8 May).
It commits the UK to reducing the need for, and optimising the
use of, antimicrobials – such as antibiotics, antifungals and
antivirals – in humans and animals, strengthen surveillance of
drug resistant infections before they emerge and incentivise
industry to develop the next generation of treatments.
In 2019, the Governments of the UK published a 20-year vision to
contain, control and mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by
2040.
Despite the Covid pandemic, the UK has managed to reduce human
exposure to antimicrobials by more than 8% since 2014 and reduced
the use of antibiotics in food-producing animals by 59% between
2014 and 2022.
In 2023 Wales prescribed 15% fewer antibiotics in general
practice than 2014, through the hard work and diligence of
prescribers, community pharmacists and health board teams working
in the community.
Chief Medical Officer for Wales Sir Frank Atherton
said:
We want to build on the achievements of the first five years of
this plan and continue to raise awareness of what everyone can do
to help fight AMR.
Preventing infection in the first place is an important part of
tackling AMR. Washing your hands regularly using soap and
water can minimise the risk of becoming unwell and spreading
harmful bacteria to other people.
Taking antibiotics when you do not need them means they are less
likely to work in the future. Not all infections need
antibiotics, and many mild bacterial infections get better on
their own.
Antibiotics do not work for viral infections such as colds and
flu, and most coughs and sore throats. When it comes to
antibiotics, take your doctor's advice on whether you need them
or not.
Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales Dr Richard Irvine
said:
Wales has made a significant contribution to the previous UK
five-year AMR NAP, thanks to excellent partnership working. We
plan to build on this achievement, taking a One Health
approach.
Antibiotic use in animals and people is a major driver of AMR. We
are committed to reducing the need to use of antibiotics in
animals to ensure that these medicines continue to work in
animals and prevent resistance spreading from animals to humans.
Our work on AMR control addresses all kept
animals. For farmed animals, a major priority is to promote high
health production systems, which benefit animal welfare,
productivity as well as reducing AMR risks. We plan to take
forward the work we have done in Wales to encourage further
control of AMR in the companion animal sector.
I look forward to Wales making a major contribution to the UK's
five-year AMR NAP.
Robin Howe, Consultant Microbiologist for Public Health
Wales, said:
Public Health Wales welcomes the launch of this next stage of a
20-year plan to reduce resistance to antibiotics by 2040.
We can all play a role in helping to prevent anti-microbial
resistance. It is important we use antibiotics exactly as
directed by a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. No-one should save
antibiotics for later or share them with family, friends or pets.
If you have unused antibiotics you should return them to your
local pharmacy. Throwing them in the bin or flushing them down
the toilet leads to the contamination of rivers threatening human
and animal health.
Antibiotics are a precious resource we must protect.
Notes to editors
- National Action Plan - UK 5-year action plan
for antimicrobial resistance 2024 to 2029 - GOV.UK
(www.gov.uk)
- A number of teams across the UK are responsible for
delivering commitments under the NAP. These include DHSC, Defra,
UKHSA, NHSE and the Devolved Governments. Responsibility has and
will be further detailed in implementation plans as they develop,
including action each organisation will take to meet different
commitments. These will be continually reviewed and challenged
internally.
