Antimicrobial resistance, whereby antibiotics are no longer effective against bacteria or other microorganisms, is a growing problem. Every year, 33,000 people in the EU die from infectious diseases that cannot be treated with available medication.

 

The European Parliament's Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) has been discussing ways to fight a phenomenon that costs up to 3.8% of the global GDP. To reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance, the EU must in particular tackle access to affordable, good-quality public healthcare.

 

 

Useful links:

 

• STOA workshop "Tackling antimicrobial resistance: from science to policy"

 

• Interview with Prof. Francesco Imperi on new strategies to fight antimicrobial resistance