The role of UICC and its members on antimicrobial resistance

The threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and its impact on cancer treatment is a priority for UICC.

Researcher at his desk

Knowledge and awareness of the impact of AMR on cancer outcomes within the cancer community is generally limited.  It is urgent that oncology professionals, cancer advocates, programme managers, patient groups – and other stakeholders working in the field of cancer – not only understand and address the factors that contribute to the development and spread of AMR, but also implement strategies for infection prevention and control.

In this regard, UICC provides information to increase awareness and supports the cancer community to drive policy change, supporting the WHO global action plan on antimicrobial resistance adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2015, which outlines the following five objectives:

  1. Improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance through effective communication, education and training.
  2. Strengthen the knowledge and evidence base through surveillance and research.
  3. Reduce the incidence of infection through effective sanitation, hygiene and infection prevention measures.
  4. Optimise the use of antimicrobial medicines in human and animal health.
  5. Develop the economic case for sustainable investment that takes account of the needs of all countries and to increase investment in new medicines, diagnostic tools, vaccines and other interventions.

UICC leads a task force on AMR and its impact on cancer care outcomes. The task force includes experts from the infectious diseases and cancer communities.

The task force showcases current evidence, identifies research gaps in knowledge of cancer and AMR, shares best practices and ultimately engages the cancer community to collaborate and bring about policy change on addressing the threat of AMR.

UICC is committed to ensuring that AMR remains a priority globally and has highlighted the need to address AMR for better cancer care outcomes at the global health level. At the 74th World Health Assembly, UICC stressed the need for governments, the cancer community and infections diseases communities to unite and raise awareness on AMR, share best practices for the rational use of antimicrobials and mobilise capacity building for R&D for new antimicrobials and diagnostics.

In September 2016, at the first UN High-Level Meeting (HLM) on AMR, a political declaration on AMR was adopted - where Member States called for action, and outlined initiatives to address AMR. The second HLM on AMR is scheduled for September 2024 and is an important opportunity for the cancer community to work side by side with other health communities in getting governments and other stakeholders to reaffirm commitments made in 2016.

Do you want to increase your knowledge and awareness about AMR?

Sign-up to UICC's self-guided course on addressing the threat of AMR for better cancer care outcomes.

This course is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Oncology in Europe (ACOE). Open to all UICC members.

UICC has been active in raising awareness within the cancer community and beyond on the importance of addressing AMR through communications, including news and blogs, virtual learning activities, virtual dialogues, articles in science journals, and through social media (please see our resources hub for more).

Virtual Dialogues

Master course: Antimicrobial resistance and its impact on cancer care | UICC

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Special Focus Dialogue: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) | UICC

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Special Focus Dialogue - Drugs don't work

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Special Focus Dialogue - Impact of antimicrobial resistance on cancer care outcomes

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Antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) or drug resistance, including antibiotic resistance, is a growing public health issue and needs urgent attention in countries around the world. Due to a variety of factors, people with cancer are particularly vulnerable to AMR, which is threatening the progress being made in cancer care.

hands holding an AMR publication

This page regroups important resources on antimicrobial resistance, material for UICC's members and partners, infographics, videos and other important documents and links.

Last update

Wednesday 06 December 2023

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