Title page
Contents
Summary 5
Causes and consequences of AMR 5
UK action and progress on AMR 6
Further reading 7
1. What is antimicrobial resistance (AMR)? 8
1.1. Antibiotic resistance 9
1.2. Antiviral resistance 10
1.3. Antifungal resistance 11
1.4. Antiparasitic resistance 11
1.5. Developing new antimicrobial drugs 12
1.6. Alternatives to traditional antibiotics 13
2. Causes of AMR 15
2.1. Inappropriate use of antimicrobials in healthcare 17
Variation in clinical practice 18
Public awareness and understanding 18
2.2. Infection prevention and control practices 19
2.3. Widespread use of antimicrobials in agriculture 20
2.4. The environment, trade, travel and climate change 21
3. Implications of AMR 24
3.1. Impact on human health 24
3.2. Economic impact of AMR 25
4. UK action on AMR 27
4.1. Responsibility for AMR 27
Tackling AMR in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland 28
4.2. UK 20-year vision for antimicrobial resistance 29
4.3. National action plans for antimicrobial resistance 30
5-year action plan 2024 to 2029 30
5-year action plan 2019 to 2024 31
4.4. Progress against NAP targets 33
Rates of drug-resistant infections 33
Use of antimicrobials in humans 35
Use of antimicrobials in animals 37
Prescriptions supported by a diagnostic test 38
4.5. Key actions in specific areas 38
Surveillance and monitoring 38
Antimicrobial stewardship 40
Awareness and education 40
Infection prevention and control 41
Support for research and development 42
4.6. Science and Technology Committee evidence session on AMR (June 2022) 45
4.7. Health and Social Care Committee inquiry (October 2018) 46
4.8. The Review on Antimicrobial Resistance (2014-2016) 46
5. International action on AMR 48
5.1. WHO global action plan on antimicrobial resistance 48
AWaRe classification of antibiotics 49
World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) 49
5.2. Strategic framework for collaboration on AMR 50
5.3. High-level meetings on AMR 50
5.4. European action on AMR 51
Pictures
Picture 1. How antibiotic resistance occurs 9