18.07.14
New science minister vows ‘war’ on superbugs
New science minister Greg Clark has stated that a unique collaboration involving all seven research councils will help drive forward the fight against superbugs.
Making his first announcement, Dr Clark said the cross-council initiative will tackle antibiotic resistance (AMR) on all fronts.
The AMR initiative will coordinate the work of medical researchers, biologists, engineers, vets, economists, social scientists, mathematicians and even designers. Dr Clark said: “The united strategy will provide a more coordinated approach to research gathering by bringing together leading cross-industry experts against what is one of today's greatest scientific problems."
The Medical Research Council, which will lead the initiative, has calculated that in the UK alone £275m has been spent on researching the problem since 2007.
Professor Sir John Savill, chief executive of the MRC, said: “Researchers have been waging a war on AMR for decades but up until now we've had no war cabinet to coordinate research on all fronts.
“This is about tackling the problem at every level and in every environment – from labs to livestock, from finding new diagnostic tools to educating professionals and the public. One hundred years ago 25% of all deaths were due to bacterial infection. We cannot return to those days.”
MPs on the Science and Technology select committee have also called for urgent action to address the problem, including immediate steps to stop inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics to people and animals.
(Image: c. Cabinet Office)
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