Fleming Fund closure threatens global efforts to fight antimicrobial resistance

The UK government is scrapping a major initiative to fight antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and support surveillance and stewardship in low- and middle-income countries.

The move has sparked concern among experts who say the cut risks sending a signal that the UK is dialling back its commitment to global health efforts.

Named after the scientist who discovered penicillin, Alexander Fleming, the Fleming Fund was launched by the UK government in 2015 in response to the UK AMR Review and the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan on AMR, which called for funding to improve AMR surveillance, public awareness and responsible drug use.