More than 70 world-renowned experts in the field of antimicrobial resistance and health care-associated infections (HAIs) recently met for the 4th edition of the World HAI Forum, organized by bioMérieux, Marcy l’Etoile, France.
Experts in infection prevention and control, infectious diseases, microbiology and epidemiology, and patient safety, as well as representatives from health organizations shared their experience and expertise to define priorities to address the threat posed by antimicrobial resistance.
Antimicrobial resistance, recognized as one of the major global public health challenges of the 21st century, is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates and generates significant additional health care spending.
At the recent G8 Summit, antimicrobial resistance was listed as a top priority among urgent global health challenges.
| Participants from 31 countries attended the World HAI Forum, held from June 23 to 25. To facilitate scientific exchange and the development of a worldwide network of experts, over the past 3 years, symposia have been held in about 10 other countries including the United States, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, China, Japan, Korea, Colombia, and Saudi Arabia, in order to encourage the use of even more efficient diagnostic solutions. |
The incidence of antimicrobial resistance continues to rise as a direct result of excessive and inappropriate use of antimicrobials in both humans and animals, according to the company. The emergence of “superbugs,” new multiresistant microorganisms, know no borders, neither between countries nor between humans and animals. Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recently issued a warning on this new type of “nightmare bacteria.”
During the HAI Forum, experts agreed on a number of priority actions to fight against antimicrobial resistance. Among them, bioMérieux committed itself to support the following actions:
- Assess the global burden of antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic use through worldwide surveys involving an international alliance. This action aims at providing indicators for global measurement of antibiotic use and resistance
- Carry out a multicenter interventional study to document the lasting benefits of prudent antibiotic use to produce tangible proof and best practices to be shared among health care professionals.
The initial results of these efforts are estimated to be available within 18 months.
Emerging viral strains such as coronavirus MERS-CoV, or influenza, and conditions inducing bacterial resistance, represent a highly-significant risk to public health, especially in hospital settings. bioMérieux continues its investment in research and development for new diagnostic solutions that contribute to the fight against infectious diseases and a better use of antibiotics.
TO LEARN MORE:
Click here to consult the 10 priorities established by the World HAI Forum experts
Click here to hear what experts discussed at the 4th World HAI Forum
[Source: bioMérieux]
