Lungs Europe, a partnership of the European Lung Foundation (ELF) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS), has published two new resources to help raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), support patients, and guide policy action to protect lung health across Europe.
These resources, developed with support from the AMR-Lung clinical research collaboration, are now available to download and share. They include a policy statement calling for stronger European Union (EU) action on AMR, and an easy-to-read flyer designed to inform and empower patients and the public.
Both documents address the growing threat of AMR, which occurs when antibiotics and other antimicrobial treatments stop working effectively. This puts lives at risk, especially for people with lung conditions who rely on these medicines to stay well.
‘Combatting antimicrobial resistance to protect lung health’ in Europe is a policy statement setting out Lungs Europe’s recommendations to the EU and its member states.
The statement outlines five priority areas for action:
It highlights the scale of the challenge, noting that over 35,000 people die every year in Europe because infections can no longer be treated with antibiotics. It also calls for urgent political action to prevent further loss of life and protect the effectiveness of current and future treatments.
The full statement is available to download and is aimed at policymakers, clinicians, advocacy groups and other stakeholders working in public health and respiratory care.
‘Antimicrobial resistance: what you need to know’ is a patient and public-friendly flyer that explains in simple terms what AMR is, why it matters, and how everyone can help stop it.
The flyer includes clear advice for individuals, such as:
It also encourages actions that can help prevent infections in the first place, such as handwashing, vaccination and infection control practices.
This is a useful resource for anyone living with a lung condition, as well as healthcare professionals, carers, schools and community health organisations.
For people living with chronic lung conditions, the effectiveness of antibiotics and antifungal medicines can be a matter of life and death. The impact of resistance is already being felt by patients across Europe.
Joyce Norwell, a patient with a lifelong respiratory condition, shared:
“As an 87-year-old patient who from childhood has had a severe respiratory challenge and needs antibiotics to stay alive and still lead a fulfilling active life I would ask you to follow the advice and guidelines given above.”
Lisa McNeil, who lives with aspergillosis, said:
“As a patient with a chronic lung condition I rely heavily on antibiotics and anti-fungal medications to manage my disease. It’s terrifying to think that one day these medications may no longer be able to help me and that doctors are running out of options. As the chair of a charity its heartbreaking to hear about patients that have lost their battle because the medication that should of helped them didn’t work… Now, I always make sure that me and my family only take antibiotics when truly needed.”
These voices show just how personal and urgent the issue of AMR is, and why action is needed now to protect treatments for future generations.
These new materials have been developed by Lungs Europe to support a wide audience:
Everyone has a role to play in tackling AMR. These resources are a small but powerful step towards better awareness, stronger policy, and a safer future for people with lung conditions.
If you’d like to share these materials or work with Lungs Europe on AMR advocacy, please get in touch.
The Lungs Europe enterprise number is 0738.383.695
