Antimicrobials
Antimicrobials are vital in healthcare and livestock farming. It is important that these agents remain potent and effective to prevent the serious consequences of infectious diseases, such as pneumonia or sepsis. Learn more about our relevant programmes and funded projects in this area.
Antimicrobials
Antimicrobials are medicines prescribed to treat infections caused by various types of microorganisms: bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites. The use of such agents limits the damage caused by the infection and, in many cases, saves lives. Microorganisms can also be used as antimicrobial agents to combat harmful microorganisms. One example is bacteriophages, viruses that infect and kill bacteria.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Microorganisms can become resistant or insensitive to antimicrobials such as antibiotics. The development of resistance, also known as antibiotic resistance or antimicrobial resistance, is a growing global threat as it renders antimicrobials ineffective.
How does antimicrobial resistance develop?
AMR develops, amongst other factors, as a result of the (over)use and misuse of antimicrobials in healthcare, livestock farming, and agriculture. This allows microorganisms to adapt and develop resistance, or share resistant traits through plasmids and other mobile genetic elements (MGEs). This makes infections harder to treat, leading to an increased risk of complications, prolonged illness, and higher healthcare costs.
Research into AMR: from prevention to treatment
Through the Antimicrobial Resistance 3 (AMR3) programme (2022–2027), ZonMw promotes the implementation of existing knowledge to prevent and mitigate AMR risks to human health. In doing so, we are contributing to:
- Identifying barriers and opportunities for AMR interventions
- Promoting the more effective use of antimicrobials
- Applying knowledge of AMR behaviour in prevention and outbreak management
- Making better use of and expanding AMR surveillance
International cooperation across national borders
AMR does not stop at national borders. Resistant microorganisms spread across the globe through humans, animals, food, and the environment. This is why ZonMw is strongly committed to international cooperation. By sharing knowledge, aligning research agendas, and joint development of interventions, we strengthen the impact of Dutch expertise and contribute to global solutions for AMR.
Learn more about the international AMR programmes to which ZonMw contributes:
Research themes and collaborations
ZonMw funds projects across various themes and facilitates the translation of research findings into practice. In addition, we regularly commission research and innovation agendas, collaborate with stakeholders in the field, and work together with various research programmes on this topic.
National Action Plan against Antimicrobial Resistance
In 2024, the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2024–2030 was published, aimed at reducing antimicrobial resistance. With this new long-term approach, the Netherlands aims to strengthen cooperation, broaden knowledge, raise awareness and strengthen international links in the field of AMR. The action plan is a joint initiative of the Ministries of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV), and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW).
