Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest threats to human life we face. It has been referred to as a silent pandemic and has gone largely unnoticed.

Effective antibiotics underpin modern medicine, making AMR a critical and urgent threat to our entire health system. Yet we are sleepwalking our way in this pandemic. Very little has been done to stimulate research and development (R&D) and support access to new lifesaving, and health system enabling antibiotics. It is time to move on from simply acknowledging the threat. Significant action is urgently needed to protect us from AMR.

This report suggests sensible steps to help protect Australia's future health security by ensuring we are ready to combat the rise of drug-resistant infections. It also explores how Australia can support our Pacific neighbours by ensuring they have equitable access to new antimicrobials.