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COVID-19 Offers Important Lessons to Tackle AMR, Says Think Tank

The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to be speeding up the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), but can provide useful lessons to tackling AMR, according to a new report by Westminister think tank for public service change, Reform.

The report examines the UK's contribution to the global response to AMR, identifies areas in need of urgent attention, and proposes ideas for policy action to reduce the impact on health and the economy due to AMR.

The report warns that Covid-19 is likely increasing AMR, with 92% of COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care globally (as of June) receiving some form on antibiotic treatment.

While the impact of the pandemic has been significant, AMR “will have the same impact on people’s lives and the economy that COVID-19 is having,” said UK Special Envoy on AMR, Professor Dame Sally Davies, in the report.

The report calls for increased efforts to improve antimicrobial research and development, increased public awareness, and better infection control policies, including actioning AMR surveillance data.

Diagnostics is highlighted as an area that could be particularly beneficial, with the report calling for consideration of a ‘test, test, test’ approach to tackling AMR, similar to COVID-19, by increasing point of care testing and better optimising the use of existing technology and new diagnostics to speed up accurate diagnosis.

Reform also recommends a renewed focus on vaccination to prevent future illness and reduce demand for antibiotics, as well as ongoing infection control and prevention training and upskilling of healthcare staff.

“The UK is already at the forefront and now will continue to lead AMR efforts with global partners to save modern medicine. We must replenish the pipeline of new antibiotics, but also surveillance, research, and awareness, ensuring that we have a toolkit of effective, appropriate, and accessible diagnostics, vaccines, and alternative therapies. The time to act is now," Dame Sally said.

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