The discussion over superbugs moved center stage earlier this month when British Prime Minister David Cameron launched a global review of the crisis. “If we fail to act, we are looking at an almost unthinkable scenario where antibiotics no longer work and we are cast back into the dark ages of medicine where treatable infections and injuries will kill once again,” Mr Cameron noted.
Earlier this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a global report on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). “Without urgent, coordinated action by many stakeholders, the world is headed for a post-antibiotic era, in which common infections and minor injuries which have been treatable for decades can once again kill,” said Dr Keiji Fukuda, WHO’s Assistant Director General for Health Security.
Realising the role of in vitro diagnostics in tackling antibiotic resistance, the European Diagnostic Manufacturers Association (EDMA) in conjunction with AdvamedDx and GMTA hosted a side-event at the WHO’s World Health Assembly “The Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance: Are Diagnostics Winning?” The event identified existing gaps in tackling AMR while highlighting the role of diagnostics.
So what is the role of diagnostics in antibiotic resistance? Are diagnostics winning?
View the slideshare below to learn more:
Editor’s Note: This post is part 3 of a 4-part series on Superbugs. It gives the Industry View on the Superbugs discussion. Check out the Company View, Foundation View and Physician View in the Superbug series.