At an event to highlight the scientific and economic research into antimicrobial resistance, the Prince of Wales spoke of the “critical juncture” where the “interconnections between drug resistance, climate change and environmental degradation cannot be ignored.”
The World Together Solving the Antibiotic Emergency’ conference brought together world leaders ahead of the United Nations General Assembly this fall, where high-level meetings on antimicrobial resistance will take place.
In a speech, William said: “As we have been hearing this morning, antimicrobial resistance threatens our health, our environment, our livelihoods and our future.
“It is indiscriminate – affecting all countries and all income levels. And we know that poverty and inequality intensify its reach, with poorer parts of the world particularly vulnerable.
“It makes infections harder to treat, increasing the risk of disease spreading, and making medical procedures and treatments much riskier.
“There is an urgent need for new measures to access new and existing vaccines, diagnostics and medicines.”
The event was a co-production between the Royal Society and the British Government as a way to discuss research, “celebrate citizen and civil society campaigns to raise awareness of the issue and give a platform to thought leaders,” according to Buckingham Palace.
William also met with survivors of antimicrobial resistance and received an update on the Fleming Initiative Appeal.
William serves as Patron of The Fleming Initiative Appeal, which aims to build a centre at the St. Mary’s Hospital in London that will be the global hub of antimicrobial resistance studies and research. It is set to open in 2028.
William ended his speech with a plea: “Today, I call upon you once more to act. To create a real legacy in 2024, for the sake of the millions affected by AMR now, and for the sake of the generations that will follow.”
