MedTech Europe calls for further action following AMR discussion at G20

Posted on 10.07.2017

7-8 July 2017, Hamburg. The G20 Heads of State and Government discuss Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) as one of their key agenda points.

AMR is a global public health issue, in need of a global response. MedTech Europe, therefore, welcomes the attention at G20 level, on this particular issue. As part of a coalition, MedTech Europe recently signed an open letter to the G20 on Global Health Innovation and Sustainable Development. It will be important to continue prioritising health and to recognise the critical role of innovation, especially when it comes to cross-border healthcare issues such as AMR and the associated Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAIs)

Our industry is committed to fighting antimicrobial resistance. This year in January, MedTech Europe, along with many of its members signed the Global Commitment on Diagnostics Tests to Fight Antimicrobial Resistance. 

From prevention to detection and monitoring, there are already many medical technology solutions (in-vitro diagnostics and medical devices) available to fight HAIs and AMR throughout the patient pathway, while also contributing to public health and environmental protection all around the world.

Medical technologies can:

• Prevent HAIs from developing in the first place, therefore, avoid the development of resistant strains and the overuse of antibiotics (Eg. antibacterial coated sutures, subglottic secretion drainage, alcohol-based handrub, skin antiseptics etc.).
• Rapidly detect and identify bacterial infections and their susceptibility to medication, therefore, avoiding the spread of infection and misuse of antibiotics (eg. Strep A pharyngitis rapid test, multiplex PCR tests, maldiTof, antibiograms, molecular diagnostics in case of outbreak situations etc.)
• Monitor and track resistance while enabling patient compliance towards the appropriate use of antibiotics (advanced wound care dressings, medication monitoring).

As a matter of fact, these technologies are still underrated compared to the value they deliver to AMR prevention and control. Therefore, we urge the G20 Heads of State and Government to encourage the uptake of medical technology solutions. A combination of development of new business models, reimbursement schemes and awareness campaigns for these technologies should rapidly make its way to the patient in need. In parallel, we welcome the G20 Heads of State and Government’s support for research and development efforts towards new and innovative solutions to further improve patient outcomes.

About HAIs and AMR
Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) are infections a patient can catch when receiving health care. They are often difficult to treat because the microorganisms that cause HAIs can be resistant to the antibiotics used to treat them. Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) is the ability of microorganisms to resist antimicrobial treatments, which transformed AMR into a serious threat to public health worldwide. The lack of action in combatting AMR is projected to cause millions of deaths yearly. By 2050, AMR has the potential to become a more common cause of death than cancer (UK AMR Review).

About MedTech Europe
MedTech Europe is the European trade association representing the medical technology industries, from diagnosis to cure. Our members are multinational companies and national medical technology associations operating in Europe and worldwide.