Why patient voices matter in the fight against drug-resistance infections

Kirsteen Wills

CEO, Antibiotic Research UK

Including patient voices in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and advocating for improved treatments and policies can help combat drug-resistant infections.

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest health threats facing the UK and the world. Without swift and coordinated action, infections that were once manageable could again become life-threatening.

Prioritising patient perspectives

At Antibiotic Research UK, we believe a crucial piece of the solution has been overlooked for too long: the voice and experience of patients. The challenge is severe. Drug-resistant infections already claim thousands of lives in the UK annually, a figure predicted to climb unless we address the root causes of AMR. The UK’s National Action Plan has made strides in improving infection control, fostering research and promoting responsible antibiotic use, but the patient’s experience and insights have largely remained untapped. 

Patients must be involved in shaping policies and driving research priorities.

Supporting patients through care barriers

Our charity, as the UK’s only dedicated patient support and advocacy organisation in this field, works to ensure that those impacted by drug-resistant infections are heard. Every day, we support patients living with complex, long-term conditions due to resistant infections, helping them navigate a path forward. We see firsthand how these infections devastate lives — not only through physical suffering but also through mental and emotional challenges. Patients often face prolonged treatments, a loss of work and limited options when standard antibiotics fail. These factors underscore the urgent need for improved treatments and support structures. 

Patient involvement in policies

Patients must be involved in shaping policies and driving research priorities. By focusing on those most affected, we can ensure that scientific advancements directly address their needs. Furthermore, we can strengthen public awareness and influence health policy by drawing on the real-life stories of those who bear the brunt of AMR. 

Antibiotic Research UK remains committed to tackling AMR on all fronts: supporting patients, advancing research and advocating for policy change. Through collaboration with healthcare providers, researchers and policymakers, we aim to create a future where drug-resistant infections no longer rob patients of their health, livelihoods or loved ones.