The World Health Organization has described antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – where pathogens evolve and develop resistance to antibiotics and other antimicrobials so the drugs usually used to fight them no longer work – as “one of the top global public health and development threats”.
The government is taking the issue seriously, the NAO said, but “remains a long way from the vision and objectives” it has set: a lower burden of infection, the optimal use of antimicrobials, and new treatments so everyday illnesses can continue to be cured.
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, the chair of the Committee of Public Accounts, said: “The world needs to take the problem of antimicrobial resistance seriously, and the UK government must lead by example.
Antimicrobial resistance contributing to estimated 35,000 deaths a year in UK, and government ‘a long way’ from containing the problem, says NAO.
Gareth Davies, the head of the NAO, said: “Antimicrobial resistance presents a major public health threat and addressing it is a multifaceted challenge.
