New report: How can CAM help reduce the problem of antimicrobial resistance?

A new policy document ‘The role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in reducing the problem of antimicrobial resistance,’ was published by EUROCAM this week to mark EU Antibiotics Awareness Day on 18 November.

The document provides an overview of the general contribution CAM can make in increasing resilience to infection in individuals, as well as the specific benefits of herbal medicine, homeopathy and anthroposophic medicine in the treatment of infectious diseases in humans and in animals. It sets the topic within the context of EU policy in this area and includes research references where appropriate.

Antimicrobial resistance is recognised by WHO and the EU as a major worldwide threat to public health; in addition, no new antibiotics have been developed since 1987. EUROCAM argues in favour of new thinking with a focus not on destroying pathogens but on the vital role of the host’s ability to counter them based on good health and a properly functioning immune system. It calls for serious consideration to be given to the potential for CAM in reducing the problem of antimicrobial resistance and further research in this area.

EUROCAM is the alliance of European umbrella organisations or patients, physicians and practitioners in the field of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

Resources:

• ‘The role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in reducing the problem of antimicrobial resistance,’ EUROCAM, November 2014
• EUROCAM Press Release