The Prince of Wales has taken on a significant new role as the patron of The Fleming Centre, an initiative dedicated to addressing antimicrobial resistance. Kensington Palace announced this
week that Prince William will support the Centre's efforts over the next five years to make its ambitious plans a reality.
The Fleming Centre, part of The Fleming Initiative, will be located at St. Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London. The Centre's five-year building appeal aims to combat antimicrobial resistance effectively by the time it opens its doors in 2028. The location holds historical significance as it is where Sir Sanford Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928.
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microbes develop resistance to antibiotics and antifungals, leading to patient fatalities instead of curing medical conditions. Overuse and misuse of treatments are the primary factors contributing to this crisis, which could cause up to ten million deaths per year by 2050 if not addressed.
The Fleming Centre's mission is to "educate, inspire, and catalyze action" to combat antimicrobial resistance. Scientists, policymakers, patients, and the public will collaborate to find solutions that continue to protect people with antibiotics.
The goal is to turn The Fleming Centre's achievements into a blueprint that can be adopted globally. Through the collective efforts of scientists and the public, they aim to source innovative solutions to this pressing issue.
The initiative is a joint effort by Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Professor Tim Orchard, the Chief Executive of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, expressed his delight at Prince William becoming the patron, emphasizing the importance of The Fleming Centre's mission in tackling a critical challenge facing the healthcare system.
In a social media post, Prince William shared his commitment to the cause, stating that over one million people die annually due to antimicrobial resistance. The Fleming Centre will lead a global movement to address this issue, and he is proud to become its patron, knowing it will educate, inspire, and drive action to solve this pressing problem. Photo by Royal Navy, Wikimedia commons.