Alliance Healthcare , owned by the global AmerisourceBergen group and one of the largest distributors of pharmaceutical products in Europe, and GIRP , the Groupement International de la Répartition Pharmaceutique, today convened a meeting policy makers and leaders from the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry to discuss antimicrobial resistance, review current response measures and review opportunities for collaboration on initiatives to address this global public health issue .The inaugural event included remarks from Members of the European Parliament , the European Commission and organizations on the front lines of antimicrobial resistance intervention efforts as well as panel discussions led by healthcare and pharmaceutical executives . Panelists and speakers addressed a multitude of topics, including the role of public policy to improve these efforts, advocacy strategies to adopt, actions that health providers need to take, and public-private partnerships to help develop new antimicrobials. Lady Sally Davies, the UK's Special Envoy for Antimicrobial Resistance and a member of the UN's Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance, delivered a speech on mobilizing international forces and mounting a global response.

Antimicrobial resistance, which occurs when a microorganism (bacteria, virus, fungus, parasite) acquires the ability to resist the effects of a drug, is a serious threat to global public health. The World Health Organization (WHO), the US government and the European Commission have each established action plans against antimicrobial resistance.

"Solving an issue as large and complex as antimicrobial resistance requires collaboration and public-private coordination across multiple sectors," said Gianluigi Tassone, President of Alliance Healthcare. “In hosting this event, we wanted to bring together policy makers, healthcare supply chain leaders and other actors on the front lines of international response efforts to talk about current approaches, share good practices and identify the opportunities we can work on together to address this issue.”

"As the EU has highlighted in its action plan, there is an urgent need for multi-sectoral collaboration, innovation and policy action to overcome antimicrobial resistance," said Monika Derecque-Pois, Director General of GIRP. “While this event is an important step in bringing together leaders from different sectors, it is equally important that we continue these conversations and build on the potential solutions discussed today to bring about meaningful and lasting change.”

During the panel discussion, leaders from the European Hospital and Healthcare Federation , the Standing Committee of European Doctors , the European Association of Hospital Pharmacists and Boots UK explained how European healthcare systems are prepared to manage antimicrobial resistance. Panelists discussed measures needed to prevent and control infections and ongoing initiatives to educate patients. For example, Alphega Pharmacy, a pan-European network of independent pharmacists member of Alliance Healthcare, launched an awareness campaign on antimicrobial resistance and provided patients with additional advice and training on the correct use of antibiotics.

Representatives from the Antimicrobial Resistance Action Fund , a public-private partnership that invests in biotech companies developing antibiotics, and BEAM Alliance , a coalition of small and medium-sized European biopharmaceutical companies developing products to combat against antimicrobial resistance, discussed current industry priorities, in particular innovative approaches to support research and development of new antibiotics and sustainable models to improve access to new antibiotics, diagnostics and vaccines worldwide.

“Antimicrobial resistance is a silent pandemic. No one actor can do this alone - it calls for a coordinated approach,” said Dame Sally. "Through collaboration across sectors and countries, we can secure the future of modern medicine so that treatments are used sustainably by all who need them."

About AmerisourceBergen

AmerisourceBergen promotes a positive impact on the health of people and communities around the world by advancing the development and distribution of pharmaceutical and healthcare products. As a leading global healthcare company with a foundation in pharmaceutical distribution and solutions for manufacturers, pharmacies and providers, we create unparalleled access, efficiency and reliability for healthcare humans and animals. The 43,000 members of our global team are at the heart of our purpose: we are united by our responsibility to work for healthier lives. AmerisourceBergen ranks eighth in the Fortune 500, with annual revenue of over $200 billion. To find out more,https://amerisourcebergen.com/.

About the International Pharmaceutical Distribution Group (GIRP)

The GIRP, the International Pharmaceutical Distribution Group, is the umbrella organization for health care distributors in Europe. It represents the national federations of more than 750 pharmaceutical wholesalers serving 34 European countries as well as major international and pan-European healthcare distribution companies. GIRP members employ more than 140,000 people and distribute around 15 billion boxes of medicines and a wide range of health products every year. As a vital link in healthcare, they strive to develop and deliver innovative and effective healthcare products and services with the aim of improving the health and well-being of patients in Europe. More information : girp.eu.

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Contacts
Mike Iorfino, AmerisourceBergen
610-545-9189 – Mobile
Mike.iorfino@amerisourcebergen.com

 

Source:businesswire.com

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