Dundee expert in New York debates on antimicrobial resistance
Published On Tue 20 Sep 2016 by Roddy Isles
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a looming global threat that will be brought before the world’s heads of state on September 21st at a historic high-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Professor Dilip Nathwani, President of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Honorary Professor of Infection at the University of Dundee, and Consultant Physician in Infectious Diseases at NHS Tayside, will be among those contributing to the discussions aimed at securing a future of sustainable and effective antibiotics.
“The UN General Assembly provides a unique opportunity to begin to secure a future of sustainable access to effective antibiotics,” said Professor Nathwani. “The awareness generated has the potential to change the course of antibiotic history, particularly with the support of allies and partners who amplify the message, take meaningful actions, and keep a vigilant eye on progress over the coming years.
“Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat that is facing us all, one which is a danger to what we currently consider everyday treatments for infection and disease. We owe it to future generations to do all we can to secure a future for these vital treatments.
“Adoption of global targets for reduction in antibiotic consumption linked to UN sustainable development goals could be one way forward.”
In conjunction with the UN General Assembly, the Global Antibiotic Resistance Partnership (GARP), hosted by the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy, the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy and other co-sponsors, is convening a forum on Sustainable Access to Effective Antimicrobials on September 20th, 2016.
This takes place at the Yale Club of New York City, and features some of the leading experts from around the world, including Professor Nathwani.
The forum brings together global leaders from industry, academia, policy, and government to discuss the way forward to ensure sustainable access to effective antibiotics. Three panels will outline the three pillars of the global response: stewardship and conservation, innovation, and governance.
Professor Nathwani is Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Honorary Professor of Infection at the University of Dundee. He is Chairman of the Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group; Chair of the European Study Group on Antibiotic Policies and President of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.
He is also co-Director of Tayside Academic Health Sciences Partnership with interest in education and quality improvement; National Specialty Adviser for Infectious Diseases to the Scottish Government Health Department and Programme Director of the Global Antimicrobial Stewardship Massive on line course [MOOC].
Professor Nathwani has authored more than 225 peer-reviewed publications and contributed extensively to national and international infection guidelines. His research interests include developing and promoting best infection practice guidelines, anti-microbial stewardship, medical education, quality improvement in infection management, clinical and health economic outcomes in relation to new antibiotics, particularly those related to the treatment of serious and resistant pathogens such as MRSA and C.difficile.
For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head of Corporate Communications
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 384910
Mobile: 07800 581902
Email: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk