The institute in Denmark will focus on analyzing and combating bacteria found in water and food. This is essential given the role of these sources in the spread of diseases. In the Netherlands, the emphasis is on the decline of health in humans and animals, a crucial aspect of the EU's "One Health" approach. The laboratory in Italy contributes with diagnostic research and monitoring tools that enable tracking of resistance patterns.
The choice to select laboratories from different countries follows their repeated call for cross-border cooperation. Resistant bacteria do not stop at national borders, and a coordinated approach is necessary to protect public health throughout Europe.
Resistance to medicines is a serious threat to health, not only for humans but also in livestock farming. According to the European Commission, approximately 35,000 people die each year in the EU from infections caused by resistant bacteria. The economic consequences are estimated at €11.7 billion per year. This problem is often called a "silent pandemic" due to its scale and harmful impact on healthcare.
The EU has set a goal that the use of antimicrobial agents in humans should be reduced by 20% by 2030, and halved in livestock farming and aquaculture. There are some livestock veterinarians who say that livestock farming in its current form can no longer do without the administration of medicinal feed additives.
With the expansion of the research, the EU continued its broad action plan against AMR. The global research aligns with the European One Health approach, which integrates the health of humans, animals, and the environment. The financial support of the laboratories contributes to the development of new medicines, diagnostics, and other interventions.