Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week was recently marked at the Welsh Senedd. Plaid Cymru’s Health and Social Care Spokesperson made a short statement highlighting the urgency of addressing antimicrobial resistance in Wales.

Emphasising the expert skills and role of antimicrobial pharmacists, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS asked his colleagues to recognise the global threat of antimicrobial resistance and the use of antibiotics in both healthcare and agriculture. He also stressed the importance of international collaboration in the development of new drugs and the promotion of responsible antibiotic use.

Commenting on the statement, RPS Director for Wales, Elen Jones said:

“Mabon has been a firm supporter of pharmacy as party spokesperson for health and social care. We’re very grateful to him for working with us on the statement to highlight antimicrobial resistance and the role of expert pharmacists, on the floor of the Senedd.

“As we mark Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, RPS remains committed to working with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities across Wales to address this pressing challenge and protect the health of future generations.

“I’d also like to thank the team of antimicrobial pharmacists across Wales for their hard work and exceptional leadership on antimicrobial stewardship."

Watch the statement in Welsh, or read the transcript translated into English underneath the video.

 

Read the statement in English:

Last week we marked World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week.

Together with the likes of another global pandemic, antimicrobial resistance has been described by the World Health Organisation as one of the biggest threats facing humanity in the 21st century.

Urgently addressing antimicrobial resistance is critical for several reasons.

First and foremost, antibiotics save lives… In a post-antibiotic era, even minor infections such as skin and urine infections could lead to hospitalisation and death. By combating antimicrobial resistance, we will preserve these life-saving treatments.

Controlling AMR is also essential to preserve routine health procedures like surgeries, cancer treatments and organ transplants - all of which depend on effective antibiotics to prevent infections.

We must also remember that antibiotics are essential for managing infection in farm animals - as well as humans. If these antibiotics become ineffective, the global food supply chain could also be threatened.

Of course, fighting antimicrobial resistance requires a global effort, but I hope as a Senedd we can agree that it’s crucial that Wales plays its part through international collaboration to develop new drugs and promote responsible antibiotic use.

And finally, within Wales, I encourage the Government and NHS to commend the hard work and initiatives led by around 30 specialist antimicrobial pharmacists working across the country. They are working tirelessly to raising awareness of this threat and ensuring that we make the most effective use of antibiotics - preserving their effectiveness for future generations. 

Take a look at the helpful resources we shared on our social media account during World AMR Awareness Week.

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