Key points from article :
The UK is struggling to contain the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, according to a report from the National Audit Office (NAO). Despite government efforts, progress has been slow, and the country remains far from its goal of controlling antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The NAO warns that if urgent action is not taken, the consequences for public health, the NHS, and the economy could be severe.
AMR occurs when bacteria and other pathogens evolve to resist the drugs designed to kill them, making infections harder to treat. The World Health Organization has identified AMR as a top global health threat, and estimates suggest it already contributes to over 35,000 deaths annually in the UK. By 2050, nearly 2 million people worldwide are expected to die directly from AMR-related infections each year.
The NAO’s findings reveal that only one of five UK targets set in 2019—reducing antibiotic use in food production—has been met. Meanwhile, drug-resistant infections in humans have increased by 13% since 2018. Factors such as aging NHS infrastructure, longer hospital stays, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have further complicated efforts to contain AMR.
Experts, including Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown from the Committee of Public Accounts, stress the need for stronger action and greater public awareness, calling AMR a "silent pandemic" that demands attention. While the government has introduced initiatives such as a world-first subscription model to encourage the development of new treatments, critics argue that current measures are not enough. The NAO urges policymakers to strengthen their approach if the UK is to meet its long-term vision of controlling AMR.
