National surveillance data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has revealed that the number of antibiotic-resistant infections remains worryingly high. The estimated number of deaths in people with a antibiotic-resistant infection also increased from 2,041 deaths in 2023 to 2,379 deaths in 2024, an increase of 338 deaths in one year. The ‘English surveillance programme for antimicrobial utilisation and resistance'(ESPAUR) report offers vital insights into the scale of the problem faced by the UK as it strives to meet the challenging goals and targets set out in the UK National Action Plan 2024 to 2029. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria of any kind are less likely to respond to treatment, causing serious complications, including bacteraemia, sepsis, and hospitalisation. People who get a bacterial infection that is resistant to one or more antibiotics are more likely to die within 30 days compared to those who have an antibiotic-susceptible infection. Limiting antibiotic use to where it is most needed Between 2019 and 2024, NHS primary care antibiotic use decreased (from 14.21 to 13.96 Defined Daily Dose, or DID), while …