Fresenius Kabi helps raise awareness for the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance
AMR contributes to millions of deaths every year, as bacteria become resistant to medicines.
AMR - The Invisible Threat
In 2021
- It is estimated there were 1.14 million deaths directly attributable to AMR
- A further 4.71 million deaths had AMR as a contributing factor
From 2025 to 2050
- More than 39 million people will die from infections attributable to AMR
- AMR could cause more deaths than cancer
Source: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01867-1/fulltext
Access: Availability, Collaboration and Communication
Providing access to antibiotics and ensuring their proper use helps to decrease the spread of bacteria and lowers the chance of antimicrobial resistance. However, one way antimicrobial resistance develops is when antibiotics are taken unnecessarily or when they are ineffective. This can result in resistant bacteria being passed into the environment and infections spreading.
Fresenius Kabi provides access to 28 antibiotic treatments through a policy of sustainable production and use of generic antibiotics. We work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure antibiotics are used correctly. This work extends to collaborating with NGOs, industry associations, governments, and institutions to help improve access to antibiotics and reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance.
Manufacturing: Keeping Antibiotics out of the Environment
Fresenius Kabi adheres to the Antibiotic Manufacturing Standard, ensuring responsible production to minimize the ecological risks associated with antimicrobial resistance. We are implementing appropriate measures and controls for the discharge of wastewater at our respective sites, as we continuously work to mitigate the risks of antimicrobial resistance in the manufacturing process.
Appropriate Use: Raising Awareness and Optimizing Treatments
To combat the threat of AMR, Fresenius Kabi advocates for healthcare professionals to enact behavioral changes within their own clinical practice and ensure the responsible use of antimicrobials.
It’s also imperative that patients follow the guidance of their healthcare professionals, to optimize treatment outcomes, reduce the spread of resistant bacteria, and preserve the effectiveness of existing antibiotics. In general, everyone should maintain good hygiene practices and get the appropriate vaccinations to avoid infections.
“As a leading generics manufacturer, we are helping to provide greater access to antibiotics while advocating their correct use,” said David Jauch, Vice President Government Affairs and Policy, Fresenius. “It’s essential that patients are treated with the right antibiotic for the bacteria they have, because antibiotics don’t work against all infections, and overuse can increase the chance of bacteria becoming resistant.”