Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) capabilities at UKHSA
UKHSA leads national and global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by integrating its scientific, public health, and research capabilities to deliver evidence-based interventions and innovation.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) leads national and global efforts in tackling the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Through a coordinated, cross-divisional approach, UKHSA brings together world-leading capabilities in:
- public health microbiology
- pathogen genomics
- surveillance, epidemiology, and data modelling
- antimicrobial stewardship
- healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) research and interventions
- outbreak response
- infection prevention and control (IPC) research
- therapeutic screening
- development of innovative therapeutics and diagnostics
UKHSA implements robust national programmes and evidence-based interventions to support antimicrobial stewardship and reduce the burden of AMR and healthcare-associated infections (HCAI). In parallel, research efforts span the discovery, development, and evaluation of novel and improved AMR countermeasures including urgently needed antimicrobial agents and diagnostics. Together, these efforts ensure UKHSA remains at the forefront of AMR prevention, innovation, and public health protection.
Work with our AMR and HCAI teams
We work with industry, academia and government. Contact AMR and HCAI to find out how we can help you.
This work aligns with the UK’s 20-year vision on AMR, published in 2019, which sets out strategies to strengthen policy and practice, improve understanding through research and surveillance, and develop effective regulation and advocacy to contain and control resistance. By 2040, the vision is of a world in which antimicrobial resistance is effectively contained, controlled, and mitigated.
To achieve this, the UK government committed to a series of 5-year National Action Plans (NAPs). Working with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), NHS England (NHSE), academia, UK devolved governments, and other partners, UKHSA will drive coordinated efforts nationally and internationally to deliver the 2024 to 2029 NAP through a cross-sectoral One Health approach, ensuring sustained progress toward the 2040 vision.