Response to announcement of £39 million for AMR research as the UK launches Global Health Framework

22 May 2023

Responding to a press release from the UK Department of Health and Social Care and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office announcing a £39 million cash injection for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research, Professor Gurdyal Besra FRS, President of the Microbiology Society said:

“The Microbiology Society welcomes the new Global AMR Innovation Fund announced by the Department of Health and Social Care and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office today. Antimicrobial resistance is a complex and ever-changing global problem that kills millions across the world and is estimated to cost the NHS £180 million per year. Efforts to tackle this multifaceted issue must be backed by long-term funding for cutting-edge microbiological research. This announcement demonstrates a commitment from the UK Government to strengthen national and global health security and to support those working to build resilience against future health threats. Having access to a wealth of expertise on antimicrobial resistance and emerging infectious diseases, the Microbiology Society is well placed to provide expert microbiological opinion and evidence to policymakers and supports this announcement.”