Bacteriophages, or phages, are considered a promising tool for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) prevention and control. WHO/Europe, working in collaboration with the Global AMR R&D Hub, is investigating the practical applications and current scientific evidence supporting the use of phages. This initiative aims to strengthen the scientific foundation for the potential broader adoption of phages in combating AMR, examining their application from a One Health perspective across human, animal and environmental sectors.
At the workshop on 13–15 May, participants discussed data needs, data quality, and production standards of bacteriophages from a scientific, regulatory and quality assurance perspective. The workshop was organized by WHO/Europe in close collaboration with the Global AMR R&D Hub.
The workshop involved a mix of keynote lectures, breakout sessions, panel discussions and practical workshops. This programme was designed for a diverse audience, including international and national researchers, policy-makers, health-care professionals, phage manufacturers and representatives from the agriculture and environmental sectors, emphasizing the collaborative effort needed across various domains to address AMR through the use of bacteriophages.