Call for input: The UK’s Antimicrobial Resistance National Action Plan

The Microbiology Society was proud to lead a policy workshop at this year's Innovations Against AMR Summit, held at the University of Warwick, UK.  

As part of the Knocking Out AMR project, the Microbiology Society has published a new report summarising the discussions from a One Health AMR Surveillance Roundtable, held in December 2024.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) 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. 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 Microbiology Society expresses concern over the UK Government’s decision to cut funding to the Fleming Fund, a flagship global health programme working to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The Fleming Fund is the world’s largest aid-funded initiative focused on AMR surveillance and capacity building. These cuts threaten to undermine vital progress in one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time.

In March 2025, the Microbiology Society submitted a response to the UK Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) inquiry into antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We are pleased to share that our evidence was considered and quoted in the final inquiry report, which was published last week.

As Ireland’s Second One Health Nation Action Plan (iNAP2) on AMR concludes, the Microbiology Society urges a stronger role for researchers in shaping the next phase of national policy.