Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is when microbes become resistant to the treatments used against them. It is one of the most pressing global health threats of our time, undermining the efficacy of life-saving treatments and placing a growing burden on health systems worldwide.
A new report, published by the President of the Microbiology Society, argues that while vaccines are recognised for their ability to prevent infections and reduce antibiotic use, thereby slowing the emergence of resistance, their role in addressing AMR remains underexploited in both policy and practice.
The paper reports on a workshop run by the Microbiology Society which brought together thought leaders on vaccines in academia, industry, policy and the clinical and veterinary sectors. Chaired by Microbiology Society President, Professor Gordon Dougan, the report urges the UK Government to remove policy and regulatory barriers that limit vaccine deployment in AMR strategies and create incentives for public-private collaboration in vaccine development.
Professor Dougan explains "AMR is no longer a looming threat: it is a present-day crisis affecting lives, healthcare systems, and economies around the world. Yet, despite the scale of the problem, we have not fully harnessed one of our most powerful tools: vaccines."
