Averting the AMR crisis: What are the avenues for policy action for countries in Europe?

This Observatory policy brief summarizes some of the key policy avenues for tackling antimicrobial resistance (‎AMR)‎. Following the widely accepted ‘One Health’ approach to combating AMR, the brief aims to support the implementation of national action plans (‎NAPs)‎ on AMR, drawing on numerous examples of effective policies implemented by European Union Member States and involving the human, animal and environmental health sectors.

The health and financial impacts of AMR are huge and will increase dramatically if nothing is done Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a naturally occurring mechanism by which microorganisms such as bacteria become resistant to antimicrobial medicines. This threatens our ability to treat infections and to undertake life-saving treatments such as surgical procedures and chemotherapy. It also comes at significant cost to healthcare systems and national economies. For example, hospital costs of treatment for a resistant infection are estimated to be USD10 000–40 000 higher than for susceptible infections. With growing AMR rates, these costs are projected to increase dramatically if no action is taken.