New Nordic Actions with a One Health Perspective
Antimicrobial resistance (commonly known as AMR) is one of the greatest global threats to public and animal health, as well as to food production. AMR is a typical example of a ‘One Health’ problem, where resistant microorganisms or resistance genes are transmitted between humans, animals and plants, often via the environment. The Nordic Ministers for - Health and Social affairs (MR-S), - Environment and Climate (MR-MK), and - Fisheries, Aquaculture, Agriculture, Food and Forestry (MR-FJLS) are now calling for a strengthened Nordic cooperation on Antimicrobial Resistance.
We need to strengthen the cooperation in the Nordic Region so that we are better equipped to deal with the growing threat posed to humans and animals by resistant bacteria. It is easier if we work together – across human, animal and environment sectors and as one, common market
Consequences can be severe for animal and human health
Consequences of infections caused by resistant microorganisms can be severe for both animal and human health and include prolonged illness and hospital stays, increased mortality rates and risk of infection during surgery or medical treatment. AMR can also cause production losses within food production, leading to increased use of natural resources and higher costs, thereby decreasing food production resilience in the Nordic countries.
Antibiotic resistance is a threat to our modern healthcare, to animal health and to food supply, but also a threat to our economies. Resistance is constantly increasing, but we must also ensure that we have access to the antibiotics needed to treat sick people and animals today and in the future.
Necessary steps are needed, which require a cross-sector approach across all of the Nordic countries to maintain low levels of AMR by promoting prudent and responsible use of antimicrobials, as well as ensuring access to essential antimicrobials and health care services in general, and increasing awareness among the public and relevant professions.
Food production in the Nordic countries demonstrates that responsible use of antibiotics does not have to be an economic disadvantage – healthy animals grow faster and produce better. Yet this requires knowledge, willingness and consumer pressure to maintain awareness of these issues in the Nordic countries, and to drive change in animal husbandry globally.
The Nordic countries have agreed to strengthen the Nordic collaboration by supporting each other to take relevant measures, as well as share best practices such as implementing national action plans which incorporate the One Health perspective, or intersectoral coordination mechanisms to ensure effective coordination of initiatives across the areas of human health, animal health and the environment. Finally, there is support for potential joint activities that include amongst other things to establish a Nordic revenue guarantee model and strengthen the development of new antimicrobials.
See the full declaration in the link below.
