WE NEED YOUR HELP​
We can all work together to control the spread of antibiotic resistance and keep antibiotics working.
​
We are not saying you should stop using antibiotics completely.
​
They are an essential part of our healthcare.
​
But we are asking you to join us as small behaviour changes can have a huge impact.
​​​
​
​​​
WHY SHOULD YOU HELP?
We depend on antibiotics for more than we realise.
​
Antibiotics are at the heart of how we treat bacterial infections. They make childbirth safer, allow safe surgery, protect the immunosuppressed (such as cancer patients), and support the health and welfare of our pets and livestock.
​
As drug resistance spreads, common infections and injuries that were once easily treatable become harder, and in some cases impossible, to treat.​​
​
​
​
FOLLOW YOUR PRESCRIPTION​
If you or anyone in your family are prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as prescribed and never save them for later or share them with others.
​​​
Don’t self-medicate with leftover antibiotics or those obtained without a prescription.
​​
​​
DON'T TAKE ANTIBIOTICS FOR A VIRAL INFECTION
Most infections like coughs, colds, sore throats, and flu are caused by viruses, which antibiotics do not treat.
If you have these symptoms, consider talking to a pharmacist about how to treat your symptoms first.
​
We want to ensure antibiotics are used at the right time, for infections that are likely caused by bacteria.
​​​​
​
KEEP GOOD PERSONAL HYGIENE
By taking small steps every day to maintain good personal hygiene, you are helping to prevent the spread of infection: an infection that might later develop drug resistance.
​
-
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve
-
Clean frequently touched surfaces
-
Cover all cuts and abrasions with a waterproof dressing
-
Wash or sanitise your hands often
​​
​​​​​​​​
Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent and treat bacterial infections in humans, animals, and plants.
Bacteria are a type of microbe that cause infections and can develop resistance to these medicines.​
Microbes of other types can also develop resistances to other antimicrobial medicines, such as fungi that develop resistance to anti-fungals.​
Widespread misuse and overuse of antibiotics and other antimicrobials, from the food industry to the doctor’s surgery and the hospital bedside, has led to the global spread of drug-resistant bacteria known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR).​
Without action, we are heading for a post-antimicrobial era, where a common infection or routine surgical procedure could become life threatening.​
It is possible to control the spread of antimicrobial resistance, but medical breakthroughs alone will not be the solution to this invisible health crisis.​
Science must work hand-in-hand with the public to deliver meaningful change.
OUR VISION
Prevention is better than cure – we need to develop sustainable solutions before mortality from antibiotic resistance soars.
The time to act is now.
The Fleming Initiative will draw on diverse expertise and public involvement to tackle antibiotic resistance from all angles.
​
We must raise awareness of antibiotic resistance – its causes and solutions – to drive positive global change.
​
We must change how people understand and use antibiotics, using behavioural science-informed interventions.
​
We must inform and champion diagnostic and policy innovation to help identify infections and ensure antibiotics are only given to those who need them.
​
We must develop new ways to prevent drug-resistant infections, including protective vaccinations and novel surveillance of human, animal, and environmental threats.
​
We must innovate on pathways of care for those infected with drug-resistant infections, including novel therapeutics strategies, by using artificial intelligence to leverage existing and new data sources.
THE FLEMING CENTRE
Due to open in 2028, The Fleming Centre will be based
at the historic St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London.
It will deliver pioneering research, innovative policy
solutions, and public engagement activities
to educate, inspire, and catalyse action.
The Centre will convene diverse global voices
and build consensus for change.
Scientists will work alongside patients, the public,
and policymakers to scope, test, and scale solutions.
Through these relationships, we will be tuned into
public hopes and fears about antibiotics and well placed
to co-create solutions that are high quality, relevant
and trusted.
By building awareness and implementing civic-led solutions
we’ll see a future where antimicrobials continue
to keep us all safe.
WHAT IS UNGA AND THE HIGH-LEVEL MEETING?
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is made up of representatives from all 193 UN member states, providing a platform for countries to debate international political issues.
Every year, its leaders meet during its “High-Level Week” to discuss global challenges impacting humanity and set agendas for international cooperation.
For the first time since 2016, world leaders will gather at the UN General Assembly for a High-Level Meeting on the global threat posed by antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance, and the solutions needed to stop it spreading further.
Taking place on Thursday 26th September, the High-Level Meeting will galvanise a global response to antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance, including potentially introducing targets and accountability frameworks to drive global coordinated action.
