press release
Published: 04 December 2024

University of Surrey professor contributes to global effort to combat antimicrobial resistance with vaccines

A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) highlights that vaccines against 23 pathogens could reduce global antibiotic use by a staggering 22%, or 2.5 billion doses annually. This reduction could potentially save billions in healthcare costs and prevent up to 650,000 deaths annually, including those caused by tuberculosis and pneumonia. 

Prof Christine Rollier

AMR - the "silent pandemic" - occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites become resistant to antimicrobial medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of serious illness and death. AMR is already responsible for nearly 5 million deaths each year. 

Vaccines are not the first line of thought when thinking of tackling the dramatic rise of antimicrobial resistance, yet existing and new vaccines in development have a huge potential as part of the response to reduce AMR; Vaccines not only prevent infections but also can lead to reduced use and overuse of antimicrobials, as well as slowing down the emergence and spread of drug-resistant superbugs.

As the world grapples with the growing threat of AMR, vaccines offer a promising part of the solution. By investing in vaccine research, development, and deployment, we can protect individuals and public health and build a more resilient future. The WHO has done fantastic work in that direction with this comprehensive and compelling report. Professor Christine Rollier, Professor of Vaccinology at the University of Surrey, who was part of the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Vaccines and AMR, emphasizing the crucial role of vaccines in this fight.

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Prof Christine Rollier

Professor of Vaccinology

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