Hygiene and health company Essity has expanded its partnership with United Nations (UN) Foundation by joining a cross-industry group that brings together corporate experts in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and other microorganisms change in ways that make medication ineffective and infections persist in the body. The main causes of AMR are lack of clean water and sanitation, inadequate infection prevention/control, and antibiotic misuse.
The World Health Organizations (WHO)1 outlines reduction of the incidence of infection through effective sanitation, hygiene, and infection prevention as one of the key measures in tackling AMR.
Essity research2 shows that 73 per cent of the general public agree that AMR is a threat to global health and 47 per cent are worried or very worried about AMR.
“To preserve life-saving antibiotics for current and future generations, we need to take action on a global level,”said Magnus Groth, President and CEO of Essity.
As a hygiene and health company with sales in 150 countries, Essity addresses issues where hygiene and health are part of the solution. Working together with the public sector and other companies makes it possible to accelerate change with higher impact in the fight against AMR.
“Essity’s expertise and experience from driving antimicrobial stewardship will be a great asset to this group of companies that will contribute policy and practical input to the United Nations-led efforts to fight antimicrobial resistance” said Kate Dodson, Vice President, Global Health Strategy, UN Foundation, which hosts the cross-industry working group through its Business Council for the UN.
1WHO (2015) Global action plan on antimicrobial resistance, World Health Organization
2Essity (2020) Essential Initiative Survey 2020-2021, a global study amongst general public in 15 countries around everyday hygiene and health behaviors, stigma’s and worries.
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