This document outlines Norway’s national action plan to counteract antibiotic resistance for the period 2000-2004. It stresses that while antibiotics have been essential in transforming the treatment of infectious diseases, their effectiveness is increasingly threatened by the emergence of resistant microorganisms. This rise in resistance is attributed primarily to excessive and improper antibiotic use in humans and animals, as well as the spread of resistant bacteria through inadequate infection control, food production systems, and international travel. The overarching goal is to preserve antibiotics as effective medicines in the 21st century by reducing unnecessary consumption and preventing the spread of resistant microbes. In particular, the plan aims to: achieve better knowledge about the use of antibiotics, the occurrence of resistant microbes in humans and animals and in food products and the environment, and the causes of the development and spread of antibiotic resistance; improve the use of antibiotics in humans and animals; and strengthen infection control for humans and animals. To address these challenges, the plan proposes a coordinated, multisectoral approach involving several ministries and regulatory bodies. Measures are grouped into eight priority areas, including monitoring resistance patterns, surveillance of antibiotic usage, improved prescribing practices, public information campaigns, strengthened infection control, enhanced microbiological diagnostics, regulatory reforms, and expanded research. These efforts target humans, animals, and food production, reflecting the recognition that resistance is a cross-sectoral problem linked to health, agriculture, aquaculture, and the environment. A crucial component is the establishment of robust surveillance systems, such as the Norwegian monitoring programme for microbial resistance (NORM), designed to provide continuous data on resistance trends in humans, animals, and food products. The plan also focuses on educating prescribers, including doctors, veterinarians, and dentists, to use antibiotics more judiciously, and on increasing public awareness so that patients understand when antibiotics are necessary and when they are not. These behavioural changes are considered essential to reducing selective pressures that drive the emergence of resistant strains. Finally, the action plan emphasises long-term sustainability through regulatory oversight and scientific innovation. This includes stricter rules for antibiotic approval and marketing, improved hygiene standards in healthcare and food production, and investment in research to better understand resistance mechanisms and develop alternative treatments. By integrating surveillance, stewardship, regulation, and education, the plan aims to preserve existing antibiotics and prevent resistance from undermining public health and food safety in the future. The annex to the document consists of the factual section of the report, which was submitted on 29 January 1999 by the project group appointed by the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs. It contains detailed background information supporting the action plan, including scientific explanations of antibiotic resistance, data on antibiotic use in humans and animals, existing surveillance systems, relevant international initiatives, and proposed strategies for reducing resistance
النرويج · 2000-01-01