From May 6th to May 8th, 2024, the Federal Public Service Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment (FPS Health), together with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the research institution Sciensano, will organize a High-Level Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the context of the Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global public health, necessitating urgent and coordinated action at national and international levels. The rise of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens undermines the effectiveness of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents, rendering once treatable infections increasingly difficult, and in some cases, impossible to manage. Without effective interventions, AMR has the potential to reverse decades of medical progress, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs worldwide.

Recognizing the gravity of this issue, governments, healthcare organizations, and research institutions have intensified efforts to address AMR through comprehensive strategies and collaborative initiatives. In this context, the High-Level Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) organized by the Federal Public Service Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment (FPS Health), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and Sciensano holds particular significance. This conference provides a crucial platform for stakeholders to converge, exchange knowledge, and develop a plan of action to combat AMR effectively.

In this article, we will delve into the key highlights from the AMR Conference, shedding light on the critical discussions and initiatives aimed at addressing AMR in the context of the Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The AMR Conference will offer a comprehensive framework to address the critical issues surrounding healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The central theme for Day 1 and 2 is "Combatting healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance in a One Health perspective" and aims to foster collaboration and state of the art knowledge sharing among experts in the field. The theme of the third day will focus on the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) as an EU Health Emergency and aims to provide actionable insights to policymakers to combat AMR.

Day 1: ECDC HAI-NET Network Meeting (May 6, 2024)

The conference will kick off with a focus on the latest developments in HAIs, antimicrobial use, and AMR in healthcare settings. Key presentations will include the results of the ECDC point prevalence survey in European acute care hospitals, highlighting the prevalence of HAIs, antimicrobial use, and infection prevention and control indicators. The session will also delve into resident safety in long-term care facilities, emphasizing the need for robust surveillance and prevention strategies.

Day 2: One World One Health Sciensano (May 7, 2024)

The second day will center on the One Health approach to surveillance initiatives, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Discussions will focus on the analysis of antimicrobial consumption and resistance, as well as strategies to address resistance migration. Parallel sessions will further explore topics such as environmental monitoring of AMR, antimicrobial stewardship, and infection prevention and control measures.

Day 3: AMR High-Level Meeting (May 8, 2024)

The final day of the conference will focus on initiatives to strengthen the EU's response to AMR, with panel discussions and presentations from key stakeholders. Topics will include the implementation of EU AMR targets, strategies to reduce unnecessary prescriptions of antibiotics, and push and pull initiatives to stimulate research and development of new antimicrobial agents and access to existing antibiotics. The day will conclude with a wrap-up session and closing remarks by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health of Belgium.


Overall, the AMR Conference will provide a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration among policymakers, healthcare professionals, and researchers to address the complex challenges posed by HAIs and AMR. By fostering interdisciplinary cooperation and sharing best practices, the conference aims to drive collective action towards combating antimicrobial resistance and safeguarding public health on a global scale.