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Published on: July 19, 2024

Evaluating the National Action Plan (NAP) on antimicrobial resistance, and recommendations for the next 5-year NAP: a

Daisy Neale1, Lucky Cullen2

  • 1Policy and Diversity Officer, Applied Microbiology International, Cambridge, CB1 2LA, United Kingdom.

Sustainable Microbiology
|August 11, 2026
PubMed

Insights

The UK

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology and Public Health
  • One Health Approach

Background:

  • The UK's 2019-2024 National Action Plan (NAP) on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is concluding.
  • A new 5-year NAP is under development, necessitating an analysis of progress and future strategies.
  • An addendum to the current NAP includes revised commitments for AMR containment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze progress on the UK's National Action Plan (NAP) for antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
  • To gather expert recommendations for the upcoming 5-year NAP.
  • To identify key challenges and considerations for effective AMR policy.

Main Methods:

  • Convened a roundtable discussion with UK human and animal health sector experts in November 2022.
  • Facilitated discussion on progress, recommendations, and future considerations for AMR action plans.
  • Analyzed expert feedback to identify barriers and priorities.

Main Results:

  • A significant gap exists between the rising ambitions of the NAP and diminishing financial support.
  • Challenges include translating evidence into practical, real-world implementation.
  • Lack of communication and funding are primary barriers to achieving NAP commitments.

Conclusions:

  • Prioritize the successful implementation of current NAP commitments before setting future goals.
  • Address funding shortfalls and improve communication to overcome AMR containment barriers.
  • Policymakers must consider these critical areas for effective AMR strategies.

Keywords:
AMRantimicrobial resistanceenvironmental microbiologypublic health microbiologyveterinary

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