26 September 2024
As World AMR Awareness Week approaches, and in parallel with the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance, UNITE is reinforcing its commitment to ensuring AMR is addressed worldwide.
As such, as a member of the European Network for Infection Prevention and Antimicrobial Resistance (ENIPAR), UNITE is supporting the release of a compelling new Call to Action urging European and national policymakers to embrace a set of baseline recommendations to promote high standards of infection prevention and control, along with the prudent use of antibiotics in communities, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Strengthening strategies by leveraging existing and innovative technologies, tools, and therapies is crucial to facing the challenge of resistant infections today.
While policy discussions have been ongoing for years, observed progress towards national and international targets is variable and generally too slow. Recent developments at the EU and global levels, including Lancet’s on AMR mortality and antibiotic use reduction, are truly encouraging, but their success greatly depends on their implementation.
Successful implementation of high-impact, evidence-based interventions is key to strengthening the EU response to healthcare-associated infections and AMR prevention and control. The factors that make this possible work best when combined and include the following areas: governance and leadership; surveillance; community and workforce awareness; Infection Prevention and Control instruments; and medical technologies and tools.
Call to Action for EU and national legislators
UNITE and the ENIPAR group aim to shed light on the need to prioritise infection prevention and control as a driver in the fight against AMR.
Together we call for a comprehensive evaluation of the implementation of infection prevention protocols in all European healthcare facilities and emphasise the importance of aligning national efforts with European and global guidelines to ensure that healthcare professionals receive the necessary training and information to effectively prevent and control infections.
The signatories encourage the prudent use of antibiotics in order to maintain the efficacy of current and new antibiotics, and push for improved access and promotion of the use of medical technologies by implementing key tools that provide greater medical value, resulting in better patient outcomes and cost savings for hospitals, healthcare systems, and society at large. Although robust treatment options exist for people infected with multidrug-resistant bacteria, the scale-up of innovative tools and technologies to prevent, detect, monitor, and manage infection and resistance could greatly enhance prevention and treatment efforts. One example is timely and appropriate access to diagnostic tests, which can ensure resilience and optimal prescription of antimicrobial treatment in all healthcare settings, including primary care.
ENIPAR, as the representative body of patient advocates, academia, and healthcare professionals, is pleased to work with national and EU policymakers to support ongoing action around infection prevention measures and to promote healthcare resilience. As UNITE, we will continue to work at a global level to promote political attention towards AMR and are happy to collaborate with local partners to further enhance the work at national and regional levels.
If you are interested in our activities or want to join the Network, please contact the Coordinator at Laura.cigolot@portland-communications.com
About ENIPAR
The European Network for Infection Prevention and Antimicrobial Resistance (ENIPAR) was founded in March 2024 and serves as a multi-stakeholder platform consisting of academics, patient groups, healthcare professionals, and more. The Network is committed to contributing to the implementation of effective infection prevention and control measures and policies in healthcare settings and in the community, and to the sensibilisation on prudent and sustainable use of antibiotics in the community, long-term care facilities, and healthcare settings.
The ENIPAR aims to be a vigilant body which fosters dialogue among relevant stakeholders, in support of global, European and national initiatives to educate and promote awareness on the root causes of and key solutions to AMR. The ENIPAR provides a platform for interested stakeholders to convene and discuss the implementation of effective, results-driven, policy measures.
