Defending our Health: Unravelling Antimicrobial Resistance
Presented by Sharon Thomas
Presented by Sharon Thomas
Professor Dame Sally Davies, former England Chief Medical Officer and haematologist, has long warned of the urgent need to tackle Antimicrobial Resistance. Now, as the UK’s AMR Special Envoy, she cautions that the lack of effective antibiotics potentially poses a greater threat than climate change.
Approved by the Department of Health and Social Care.
For vulnerable patients, receiving the correct treatment quickly is crucial. The Royal Berkshire Hospital uses BioFire, a rapid diagnostic tool from bioMérieux, to test a broad range of bacteria and viruses to quickly identify the cause of infection. This improves diagnostic certainty, allows prompt and appropriate treatment, and facilitates faster discharges.
Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat, with low and middle-income countries carrying the heaviest burden. ICARS, an international research organisation, collaborates with those countries to co-develop tailored solutions aligned with their National Action Plans on AMR. One example, is ICARS' partnership with Zambia.
Antimicrobial resistance is a global health issue that threatens the foundation of modern medicine. Based at the University of Oxford, The INEOS Oxford Institute for antimicrobial research, is developing new antibiotics and collaborating with international governments to address this crisis.
There are many strands to the AMR crisis and the spread of bacteria through hospital wastewater is one of them. Pharmafilter believes this does not have to be the case. Its solution offers to purify wastewater to the point of reuse, contributing to site safety and a circular economy. Peter Kelly, their CEO explains why we must consider the environment in tackling AMR, the hotspots for microbial contamination and the solutions Pharmafilter aim to provide.
Millions of people around the world die every year because they are unable to access effective and affordable antibiotics. ReAct is putting equity at the centre of action against antibiotic resistance. The global network prioritises solutions and political change towards ensuring that everyone has access, today and tomorrow, no matter where you live.
Developed and funded by Shionogi Europe. Sustainable antibiotic development and international collaboration are essential in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. Ongoing innovation and policy change are also key to ensure pharmaceutical investment in new antimicrobials can continue. We spoke to industry and infectious disease experts to understand more about how the issue is being addressed.
The AMR Industry Alliance is a coalition of biotech, diagnostics, generics, and pharmaceutical companies working together to combat antimicrobial resistance. James Anderson, Chair of the Alliance, discusses the global threat posed by AMR, the challenges in developing new antibiotics, and the Alliance's efforts to promote responsible manufacturing and ensure access to effective treatments worldwide.
Approved by AMR Industry Alliance.
Antibiotic Research UK, one of the first charities tackling drug-resistant infections, focuses on research, education, and patient support. With at least 7,600 UK deaths annually from antibiotic resistance, the charity aims to better understand and manage resistance, reducing its impact on patients and healthcare.
Approved by Antibiotic Research UK.
The British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC) is dedicated to improving the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases through education, research, and collaboration. Professor Andrew Seaton, president of BSAC, discusses antimicrobial stewardship and the urgent need for global action on AMR.
Approved by British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.
Presented by
Sharon is a television journalist who has been working in the industry for twenty years. She can currently be seen on screen as a reporter and presenter in a variety of roles at ITN. Previously Sharon has worked for the BBC and Sky News, a number of radio stations and written for various publications.
Each film included in this programme has been approved and complied by the brand associated with that content as identified in the descriptions above. Additional content has been approved by a featured organisation where indicated on this page.
