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Issue 68,
7 April 2011
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Antimicrobial resistance: the need for international cooperation
Dr. Emese Szilagyi, Medical Epidemiologist, National Center for Epidemiology, Hungary.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a consequence of the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, as well as poor infection-control practices to prevent cross-transmission. The increasing levels of AMR represent one of the world’s greatest public health threats, as they reduce the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatment, lead to increased morbidity and mortality and increase the costs of healthcare.
Because globalization makes all countries vulnerable to diseases originating outside their borders, resistance poses a major threat to global public health. No country acting on its own can adequately protect its population. The global nature of antimicrobial resistance calls for a global response. International collective action is essential.
The European Union and the United States have taken an important step in international cooperation on AMR. The growing global threat was recognized at the EU US Summit in 2009, following which the Transatlantic Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance (TATFAR) was set up to jointly address urgent issues: appropriate use of antimicrobial drugs, prevention of drug-resistant infections and strategies for smoothing the introduction of new antimicrobial drugs.
TATFAR's primary task has been to define potential areas where enhanced EU-US cooperation could be most fruitful and report on them to political leaders at the next EU-US Summit (2011). TATFAR has also been an excellent opportunity to increase mutual understanding of existing AMR related programmes on both sides of the Atlantic, deepen the transatlantic dialogue, learn from each other and promote coordination, co-operation and the exchange of information.
The Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU was pleased to host the second face-to-face meeting of the TATFAR in Budapest on 23-24 March. For its part, the Council has acknowledged the growing menace represented by AMR, is paying close attention to the AMR situation and is working to find practical, effective solutions.
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2nd report on voluntary, unpaid donation of blood and blood components
An overview of voluntary and unpaid donation of blood and blood components in the EU, focusing on legislative provisions and policies, as well as collection and supply issues.
2nd report on voluntary, unpaid donation of blood and blood components
An overview of voluntary and unpaid donation of blood and blood components in the EU, focusing on legislative provisions and policies, as well as collection and supply issues.
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Denmark
Danish men's health – government report
In Denmark, 83.7% of men reported that they felt well enough most of the time to do what they want to do. How do they manage it? For the answer, read this report from the Danish National Board of Health.
Netherlands
Investing in health: possible, desirable, indispensable
The 2010 Public Health Status and Forecast Reports found that the Dutch are getting healthier. Life expectancy has increased in recent years, but this is no reason to put on the brakes.
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Commission launches 3rd Health Prize for Journalists
Registration has begun for the 3rd EU Health Prize for Journalists. The prize seeks to raise awareness of health issues by showcasing the talents of journalists from the 27 EU countries.
Commission launches 3rd Health Prize for Journalists
Registration has begun for the 3rd EU Health Prize for Journalists. The prize seeks to raise awareness of health issues by showcasing the talents of journalists from the 27 EU countries.
Pharmaceuticals – EU Register of Clinical Trials launched online
All EU citizens can access information on the thousands of authorised pharmaceutical clinical trials underway in the EU. This official public register makes clinical research on pharmaceuticals more transparent for patients and others.
Pharmaceuticals – EU Register of Clinical Trials launched online
All EU citizens can access information on the thousands of authorised pharmaceutical clinical trials underway in the EU. This official public register makes clinical research on pharmaceuticals more transparent for patients and others.
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Children's health and environment (Paris, 12-13 April 2011)
This international congress will focus on trans-generational risks caused by in utero contamination of the embryo and foetus, which can lead to disease in not only children, but also adults.
Tackling Under-Age Drinking in Europe: Towards a Comprehensive EU-Wide Partnership (Brussels, 13 April 2011)
The international symposium will gather comparative experience and best practices in early intervention strategies based around young people and their families, and examine other key consequences of under-age drinking such as anti-social behaviour and drink-driving.
7th Annual World Health Care Congress – Europe (Brussels, 13-14 April 2011)
400 leaders from all healthcare sectors will share best practices and successful initiatives for improved delivery and outcomes in Europe.
Healthy and active ageing for all Europeans (Bologna, 14-17 April 2011)
This international congress will provide an opportunity for scientific interdisciplinary dialogue among researchers, practitioners and professionals who work with older persons and come from fields as diverse as biology, biomedicine, chemistry, engineering, nursing, psychology, the social sciences and public health and policy.
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World Health Day 2011 brochure
Explanation of the WHO's six-point AMR policy package, which any country can use to fight antimicrobial resistance.
World Health Day 2011 brochure
Explanation of the WHO's six-point AMR policy package, which any country can use to fight antimicrobial resistance.
Global status report on alcohol and health 2011
A comprehensive perspective on the global, regional and per country consumption of alcohol, patterns of drinking, health consequences and policy responses in EU countries.
Global status report on alcohol and health 2011
A comprehensive perspective on the global, regional and per country consumption of alcohol, patterns of drinking, health consequences and policy responses in EU countries.
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EU Health Prize for Journalists 2011 launched
Articles may be submitted until 24 July 2011. This year there will be a special prize on "smoking cessation" in addition to prizes for the top 3 articles on the other topics.
EU Health Prize for Journalists 2011 launched
Articles may be submitted until 24 July 2011. This year there will be a special prize on "smoking cessation" in addition to prizes for the top 3 articles on the other topics.
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World Health Day: Antimicrobial resistance – 7 April 2011
Activities at EU level
Health-EU -
Other Infectious Diseases
Health-EU -
Prudent use of antibiotics
Antimicrobial resistance
News
Antimicrobial resistance: no action today, no cure tomorrow
Antimicrobial resistance is an old problem that is becoming more dangerous. Without urgent, consolidated efforts, we risk a return to the pre-antibiotic era.
Antimicrobial resistance: no action today, no cure tomorrow
Antimicrobial resistance is an old problem that is becoming more dangerous. Without urgent, consolidated efforts, we risk a return to the pre-antibiotic era.
Health Programme Projects
ARPEC - Antibiotic Resistance and Prescribing in European Children
The project seeks to improve the quality of antibiotic prescribing for children in Europe and determine the variation in antibiotic prescribing for common childhood infections in the community and hospitals across Europe.
Other interesting links
ECDC - European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
EFSA - European Food Safety Authority
EMA – European Medicines Agency
International Federation of Infection Control
Transatlantic Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance
WHO Europe – World Health Day
WHO Europe - Antimicrobial resistance
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