UK supports developing countries to boost global fight against superbugs
The UK has announced that it will help poorer countries remain vigilant and take speedy action against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The first investment released from the Fleming Fund, which includes a £195m contribution from the UK Government announced in this year’s Budget, will support developing countries to kick-start their plans to fight AMR.
It comes as the World Health Organisation's World Health Assembly in Geneva formally adopts the Global Action Plan against antimicrobial resistance.
The next step will see up to £3million released from the Fleming Fund to support countries to tackle AMR as well as contributing to global efforts to report trends in resistance.
The money will be used by WHO on the ground to draw up action plans in low income countries, tackling a global health threat in a joined up and effective way.
Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer said:
“Today's announcement underlines the global leadership this Government has shown on an issue that threatens modern medicine as we know it. Our interconnected world depends on collective action to tackle global threats. Money from the Fleming Fund will enable poorer countries to play their vital role in fighting AMR that they and the world needs.
“Better data is critical to detect and respond to infectious diseases. This is just one part of the collective global effort needed and I hope this announcement will encourage others to join in this global fight - turning words into action.”
Notes to editors:
The money is the first investment to be released from The Fleming Fund, which includes a £195m contribution from the UK Government announced in this year’s Budget to develop surveillance networks and laboratory capacity in developing countries.
Up to £3million will be given to WHO for those countries where the money and support is needed.
Today at the World Health Assembly in Geneva a Global Action Plan was adopted by all 192 member states.
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Find out more about the Fleming Fund to tackle global problem of drug-resistant infection here.
