THE Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has joined 75 pharmacy organisations from around the world in calling for urgent action to tackle the rise of antibiotic and other antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The FIP Copenhagen Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance outlines clear priorities to address AMR, including global partnership building, promoting vaccination and rational antimicrobial use, protecting medicine supply chains, and advancing evidence on stewardship and outcomes.

PSA CEO Adjunct A/Prof Steve Morris said the joint statement “marked an urgent call for the health and agricultural sectors to act in halting the rise of AMR”.

“PSA is proud to join with colleagues from around the world for collective action to tackle the enormous challenge of antimicrobial resistance,” he said.

“Antimicrobial resistance is a multifactorial problem requiring bold multifactorial responses.

“As Australia’s peak body for pharmacists, PSA is committed to playing our role in slowing the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and promoting innovation that drives more rational medicine use.”

A/ Prof Morris pointed to a strong body of work from PSA to minimise AMR in Australia.

“PSA has been a leading Australian voice for rational antimicrobial use,” A/Prof Morris said.

“This has included development of evidence-based practice guidelines for treatment of uncomplicated cystitis, changes to Cautionary and Advisory Labels to provide more appropriate directions to patients, and through provision of leading education for pharmacists that drives rational medicine use,” he explained.

“I look forward to driving the principles outlined in this statement into PSA’s advocacy and into PSA’s products and services.” KB

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