Introduction

About the Course

In this course, we take a ‘One Health’ approach to understanding antimicrobial resistance. We consider the important roles that humans, animals, and the environment play in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is therefore recognised as a significant global threat to healthcare and society. AMR is a leading cause of death globally and has been referred to as a ‘silent pandemic’. Recent estimates suggest that 5 million people die each year from antibacterial resistant infections, with the cumulative impact upon the global economy placed at $100 trillion by the year 2050. AMR was added to the UK National Risk Register in 2014, alongside climate change, pandemic influenza, and terrorism.

The Context

Nationally, the UK Government has recognised the importance of understanding AMR across humans, animals and the environment (One Health), and refer to this approach in several policy documents, including their 5-year AMR National Action Plan, their 20-year Vision for AMR, and in their Health and Environment communiqués for the recent G7 summit. A One Health approach to tackling AMR has also been identified as pivotal internationally by the World Health Organization in their report ‘World Leaders Call for Action’ and the United Nations and the Food & Agricultural Organisation, to name a few.

Throughout the course, you will engage with experts involved in improving our ability to suppress the spread of antimicrobial resistance, including industry professionals and government practitioners involved in translating research into policy and practice.

Course Leads

Who is it for?

This course requires no prior knowledge of microbiology and is therefore ideal for those who are new to the topic or are taking an interdisciplinary approach to understanding and tackling antimicrobial resistance. It will be particularly suitable to:

• Professionals, organisations, and teams with AMR in their portfolio

• Early-career researchers/postgraduate researchers undertaking research

Before the Course Begins

There's are some short activities to complete before the course begins. These are listed in the 'Pre-Course Activities' tab at the top of the page.

Padlet

Throughout the course, you'll have opportunities to share your reflections and thoughts with the rest of the group, by leaving posts on the weekly reflections Padlet. See below for a video guide on how to use Padlet.

Feedback

Your feedback matters. Please use the Zoom chat, Mentimeter links or end of course survey to express your opinion.