Drug-resistant superbugs

That this House recognises the urgent and growing challenge posed by drug-resistant superbugs emerging from the conflict in Ukraine and elsewhere, which have significantly impacted patient treatment and healthcare systems across Europe; acknowledges the severity of injuries sustained in the war and the subsequent need for medical care across multiple European nations, having at times left doctors and patients with no viable antibiotic options for life- and limb-threatening infections; notes that the UK has extensive experience in tackling antimicrobial resistance and that UK scientists have demonstrated how these superbugs can affect hospitals in the UK, leading to critical disruptions in surgical theatres and high-dependency units; further notes the UK’s long-standing leadership in the discovery of antibiotics, investment in research, and development of rapid, cost-effective testing to combat such infections; welcomes the signing of the 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine in January this year and the opportunity it presents to improve infection control in hospitals, and enhance access to new diagnostic tests and antibiotic treatments to combat these infections; and calls on the Government to prioritise collaboration with Ukrainian healthcare professionals and our European partners to combat the spread of drug-resistant infections, ensuring that both Ukrainian and UK hospitals are better equipped with the necessary situational awareness/knowledge, tools, expertise, and antibiotics to safeguard public health.