Doris-Ann Williams MBE, Chief Executive of the British In Vitro Diagnostics Association (BIVDA), represented the IVD industry at the United Nations General Assembly meeting on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on Wednesday (22 September 2016).
Bringing together Member States, non-governmental organizations, civil society, private sector and academic institutions from across the globe, the aim of the meeting was to increase awareness and understanding of AMR and establish a collaborative commitment to tackling the issue.
It was announced that a Declaration agreeing to combat antimicrobial resistance had been signed by 193 countries at the United Nations General Assembly.
Commenting on the meeting and Declaration, BIVDA’s Chief Executive Doris-Ann Williams MBE said:
“I was delighted to represent the IVD industry at the United Nations General Assembly meeting on AMR yesterday. BIVDA has been an active supporter of the UK’s efforts to put AMR at the forefront of the global health agenda, therefore, we welcome the announcement that a landmark declaration to tackle AMR has been signed by 193 countries at the United Nations General Assembly.
“IVDs have and will continue to play a critical role in tackling the AMR challenge by helping to reduce cases of unnecessary antibiotic prescribing and enabling a more targeted use of therapy against infection where identified by a test. Consequently, we urge all healthcare professionals in the UK to make use of the quick, accurate and effective IVDs available to them now”.
Notes to Editor:
BIVDA is the industry association for manufacturers and suppliers of IVD tests. We represent over 100 members, ranging from British start-up companies to UK subsidiaries of multinational corporations. BIVDA member companies employ more than 8,000 people in the UK, with a total industry turnover of approximately £900 million.
For further information, please contact External Affairs Manager Emma Thomas at emma@bivda.co.uk or 0845 6188224.