Prince William opens up about major threat to future generations: ‘act now’
Prince William has issued a strong warning and called for urgent action to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), emphasizing that it risks jeopardizing the well-being of future generations. The future king delivered a compelling speech at an event dedicated to addressing the escalating issue of AMR.
The event, held at the Royal Society in London, brought together experts and leaders to highlight the latest scientific and economic research on antimicrobial resistance. It also celebrated various campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the issue and formed part of a strategic roadmap leading up to a high-level meeting on AMR at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
Prince William says, “Antimicrobial resistance threatens our health, our environment, our livelihoods and our future. Unless we act now and together, the ripple effects of drug resistance will be felt across generations, jeopardising the wellbeing of our children and our grandchildren.”
“Today’s conference on antimicrobial resistance is all about joining forces to address this urgent global health challenge. It’s so important to continue exchanging ideas, building partnerships, and taking action to confront AMR and protect public health,” Prince William added.
During his speech, Prince William underscored the critical importance of tackling AMR, which threatens to undermine the effectiveness of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents, posing a significant risk to global health. He stressed the need for a concerted global effort to address this growing threat, which could lead to untreatable infections and a return to a pre-antibiotic era where minor infections could become fatal.
In 2023, Prince William became the patron of a new appeal to establish The Fleming Centre, a pivotal initiative in the fight against AMR. The Centre, named after Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin, will be based at St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London. The development of the Centre is being spearheaded by Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, with a mission to drive a global movement to combat antimicrobial resistance.
The Fleming Centre aims to serve as a hub for research, innovation, and education on AMR. It will bring together leading scientists, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to develop and implement strategies to reduce the spread of resistant infections. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the Centre seeks to advance our understanding of AMR and develop new treatments and approaches to mitigate its impact.
Prince William’s involvement in this initiative highlights the importance of high-profile advocacy in raising awareness and mobilizing action against AMR. His call to action is expected to galvanize support and resources for this critical global health issue. As part of the broader roadmap, the Centre will also play a key role in informing and shaping policy discussions at the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting.