Obama Administration Releases National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Despite antibiotics’ powerful ability to save millions of lives each year, drug resistant bacteria are a growing problem, making the treatment and prevention of diseases more difficult.
According to whitehouse.gov, “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that drug-resistant bacteria cause two million illnesses and approximately 23,000 deaths each year in the United States alone. Antibiotic resistance also limits our ability to perform a range of modern medical procedures, such as chemotherapy, surgery, and organ transplants. That’s why fighting antibiotic resistance is a national priority.”
The Obama administration outlines five points in a new battle plan for combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria in its new “whole-of-government” approach, to be implemented over the next five years. The National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (NAP) plans to:
- Slow the emergence of resistant bacteria and prevent the spread of resistant infections
- Strengthen national “One-Health” surveillance efforts
- Advance development and use of rapid and innovative diagnostic tests
- Accelerate basic and applied research and development
- Improve international collaboration and capacities
More information is available at The White House Blog, where members of the Obama administration write, “The NAP is a comprehensive effort that will require the coordinated and complementary efforts of individuals and groups around the world, including public- and private-sector partners, healthcare providers, healthcare leaders, veterinarians, agriculture industry leaders, manufacturers, policymakers, and patients. Working together, we can turn the tide against the rise in antibiotic resistance and make the world a healthier and safer place for the next generation.”