Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Accepted
Mandate health bodies to keep updated on scientific AMR developments and fund vital research.
Conclusion
It is vital that government keeps up to date with scientific developments that might help tackle the threat of AMR. Research can help identify better ways of mitigating AMR and treating those with AMR infections, including through the use of artificial intelligence, genomic sequencing, and vaccinations. DHSC and UKHSA fund research into these areas, for example through the National Institute for Health and Care Research – which reported that it spent £88 million as part of the 2019–24 NAP. Other organisations in the UK and abroad carry out much research and development, including developing new antibiotics or innovative treatments such as phage therapy, and the results could be very promising in the fight against AMR. Research has been included in the 2024–29 NAP through the top 10 research questions, however there needs to be sufficient resourcing, prioritisation and focus on implementation. recommendation NHS England, Defra and UKHSA must keep up to date with new scientific developments, continue to fund vital research and prioritise the consideration of how they can be applied in the fight against AMR. 5
Government Response Summary
The government states the recommendation is implemented, detailing how it invests over £88 million in AMR research through NIHR, funds biosecurity capabilities, and supports various research units and initiatives. It also highlights how NHSE publishes monthly AMR evidence bulletins and annual horizon scans, and VMD funds ongoing research to keep updated with scientific developments.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented The government is committed to ensuring evidence informs AMR policy, through providing research funding aligned with the NAP top 10 research priorities, collaborating on public sector research and considering international activity that could inform the government’s approach to AMR. Through the NIHR, DHSC has invested over £88 million in funding for AMR. DHSC also funds the NIHR Innovation Observatory, which provides horizon scanning to support adoption of cutting-edge innovations into policy and practice. The Global AMR Innovation Fund funds vital research to benefit low- and middle-income countries where the burden of AMR is highest. Over the course of this parliament, the government is investing over £1 billion to enhance domestic biosecurity capabilities, to strengthen protection from the growing threat from animal diseases. Funding marks the next phase of investment into establishing a Network of National Biosecurity Centres. The NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAI) and AMR, a partnership between UKHSA and University of Oxford, will identify the most efficient and cost-effective approaches for the detection, surveillance, investigation and reduction of HCAI and AMR. UKHSA continues to support evidence generation to inform wider access to alternative antimicrobial therapeutics, such as bacteriophages. NHSE publishes a monthly AMR evidence bulletin and annual horizon scans for AMR innovation. NHSE has an active role on steering groups of high-priority AMR research studies, including the Phased-In, BRIT2 and TOUCAN trials. VMD funds ongoing research, including novel approaches to surveillance, to understand and mitigate AMR evolution and transmission.