The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has joined over 40 European health organisations in signing a joint statement calling on European policy makers to support and strengthen the European Commission's new EU One Health Action Plan against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
Led by the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), the letter welcomes the EU's new action plan as 'proof of the need for joint efforts to combat AMR', and calls for a multi-sectoral approach that 'embraces the needed global vision by linking EU efforts with those of international actors'.
Explaining the need for a collective call, the EPHA said in the letter that 'Further collaborative action needs to be taken now to implement strategic aims as set in the new action plan to enhance public health and animal health - in the name of individuals and patients, as well as for the benefit of European and national economies'.
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In particular, the statement contains eleven key points for action that the signatories would like to see addressed by the European Commission and the relevant executive agencies working on AMR:
- Involve civil society (including health professionals) in AMR-One Health policymaking.
- Support the development and implementation of National Action Plans and allocate adequate European funds to actions against AMR.
- Address all aspects of the One Health approach.
- Improve and regularly update data on AMR burden in Europe.
- Analyse and benchmark collected data.
- Make full use of EU legislative powers in AMR relevant sectors.
- Nurture and actively involve healthcare professionals, including students.
- Put into practice existing evidence and continue scientific research to obtain a better understanding.
- Adopt a “prevention is better than cure” approach.
- Support and promote the use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs).
- Empower patients and raise public awareness.