At the EU-US Summit on Tuesday 3 November, President-in-Office of the Council of the EU Fredrik Reinfeldt and President Barack Obama decided to establish a joint task force to combat antimicrobial resistance.
"The decision sends a strong political signal on the importance of international cooperation to reduce the spread of bacteria that are resistant to antimicrobials," says Anna Hedin at the Swedish Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, who prepared the matter ahead of the summit.

"The EU and the US will, along with the World Health Organisation, take the lead in dealing with the disastrous situation we find ourselves in."

The increase and spread of antimicrobial resistance is a rapidly growing global problem. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control sees it as the most serious health threat in Europe. Without access to effective antimicrobials, there is a risk that modern medical treatments such as operations, transplants, intensive care, cancer treatment and care of premature babies will become impossible or associated with major risks. Its impact in the form of human suffering and socioeconomic costs is probably even greater in developing countries.

 Joint action plan for future work

The joint EU-US task force will cooperate on issues concerning rational use of antimicrobials and hygiene in health care. It will attempt to find incentives to kick-start research and development of new antimicrobials. The task force will also look at the use of antimicrobials in the animal sector.

Within these areas, the task force will produce an action plan containing activities that provide added value at global level. It will also monitor activities through regular progress reports.

"The EU and the US have shown great commitment to reducing the occurrence of resistant bacteria. Together we have the best research and development potential to deal with this issue effectively. There is a clear transatlantic added value in this area. The EU, along with the US, and with support from the WHO, can provide the global leadership that is needed," says Ms Hedin.