May 8th 2024

By Ailsa Colquhoun

DHSC launches second five-year AMR plan

A second five-year National Action Plan will commit the UK to reducing use of antimicrobials in humans and animals.

The new plan also commits to paying suppliers a fixed annual fee for antimicrobials based primarily on their value to the NHS, as opposed to the volumes used.

The plan will build on progress towards the UK’s 20-year vision for antimicrobial resistance which started with the first five year plan in 2019.

Other aspects of the new plan include improved surveillance of drug resistant infections.

 The new plan has nine strategic outcomes and four themes:

• Reducing the need for, and unintentional exposure to, antimicrobials
• Optimising the use of antimicrobials
• Investing in innovation, supply and access
• Being a good global partner

 It is estimated that in 2019, 1.27 million deaths globally were caused by infections resistant to antibiotics.