On European Antibiotic Awareness Day, the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) and the Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME) reaffirm the commitment of medical and veterinary professionals to join forces in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), recognising its significant impact on public health, animal health, and the environment.
ECDC estimates that every year, over 35 000 people die in the EU/EEA from infections resistant to antimicrobials – an estimate that has increased in recent years. The health burden of these infections is comparable to that for influenza, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS combined.
The continued collaboration between the doctors and veterinarians aligns seamlessly with the Council Recommendation on AMR referencing the importance of education, awareness and training of professionals working in human health, veterinary and environmental sectors on AMR, on infection prevention and control and on the One Health approach. Doctors and veterinarians play an important role in the fight against AMR, in particular due to their roles as leaders of and advocates for prudent antimicrobial use.
Even though there has been progress in certain areas, we need to continue to further reduce unnecessary antimicrobial consumption and improve infection prevention and control practices across sectors.
Dr Christiaan Keijzer, CPME President said “The fight against AMR requires a united front. By joining forces with the veterinarians, we strengthen our collective impact. As professionals in human and animal health, we are committed to doing all we can to address this critical public health issue.”
Dr Siegfried Moder, FVE President highlighted that “The recently released report on European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) confirms a decrease of 53% of the overall sales of veterinary antimicrobials between 2011 and 2022. These figures represent the result of the close collaboration and strong commitment of all stakeholders. Doctors and veterinarians pave the way for fighting antimicrobial resistance in a true One Health approach.
