Action plan against the rising threats from Antimicrobial Resistance.

This Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council lays down the Action plan against the rising threats from Antimicrobial Resistance. The plan adopts a holistic approach and sets out actions and measures aimed at: 1) mitigating the risk of developing AMR in humans from the use of antimicrobials both in humans and animals by effectively ensuring across the European Union their appropriate use, and promoting microbiological diagnosis as the means to determine, to the extent possible, the need for antimicrobials; 2) putting in place effective ways to prevent microbial infections and their spread; 3) developing effective antimicrobials or alternatives for treatment of human and animal infections; 4) joining forces with international partners to contain the risks of spreading AMR from international trade and travel and via the environment; 5) reinforcing research to develop the scientific basis and innovative means to combat AMR.
Key actions are established for a successful fight against AMR and particularly to ensure the appropriate use of antimicrobials, to prevent microbial infections and their spread, to develop new effective antimicrobials or alternatives for treatment. Those key actions include the following: 1) Strengthen the promotion of the appropriate use of antimicrobials in all Member States; 2) Strengthen the regulatory framework on veterinary medicines and on medicated feed; 3) Introduce recommendations for prudent use in veterinary medicine, including follow-up reports; 4) Strengthen infection prevention and control in healthcare settings; 5) Introduction of the new Animal Health Law, which will focus on prevention of diseases, reducing the use of antibiotics and replacing current Animal Health provisions based on disease control; 6) Promote efforts to analyse the need for new antibiotics into veterinary medicine; 7) Develop and/or strengthen multilateral and bilateral commitments for the prevention and control of AMR in all sectors. Other horizontal actions outlined by the Plan concern surveillance of AMR and antimicrobial consumption in animals, additional research and innovation.