The European Commission revealed its action plan against antimicrobial resistance which includes 12 concrete actions to be implemented in close cooperation with the Member States. The measure has been taken because about 25,000 patients dying per year in the EU from infections caused by drug resistant bacteria.

The Action Plan against antimicrobial resistance, presented by the European Commission, includes 12 concrete actions for the next five years. In addition, the plan covers seven areas that consist in making sure antimicrobials are used appropriately both in humans and animals, preventing microbial infections and their spread, developing new effective antimicrobials or alternatives for treatment, cooperating with international partners to contain the risks of AMR, improving monitoring and surveillance in human and animal medicine, research and innovation, and communication, education and training.

John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy highlighted that the twelve concrete actions for the next five years could help limit the spread of anti-microbial resistance and help develop new anti-microbial treatment. Their success requires joined efforts from the EU, the Member States, healthcare professionals, industry, farmers and many others. Furthermore, European Commissioner for Research and Innovation, Máire Geoghegan Quinn, added that investment in research and innovation is needed. Finding the next generation of antibiotics is crucial if we are to stay ahead of the curve in the face of bacteria and other pathogens which are resistant to drugs. MEPs already asked in October 2011 for tighter controls on the use of antimicrobial to fight growing bacteria resistance.

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the data on antibiotic resistance shows that resistance to last-line antibiotics is increasing in Europe. With about 25,000 patients dying per year in the EU from infections caused by drug resistant bacteria and related costs of over 1.5 billion euros in healthcare expenses and productivity losses, antimicrobial resistance is a growing health problem in the EU.