This Strategy, considering antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the three most important health threats, with dangerous consequences for human and animal health, provides for managing antimicrobial resistance in a more coordinated and effective way, following the implementation of the "One Health" approach. This Strategy therefore sets the following objectives and the activities necessary to achieve the goal of preventing the emergence and spread of AMR in humans, animals and the environment by maintaining access to effective treatment through the responsible use of medicines: raising awareness about AMR through the development of information materials and training programmes on infection prevention, drug residue management, infection control and biosecurity measures; enhancing infection prevention measures, improving disinfection techniques, animal welfare guidelines and vaccination programmes; promoting a responsible use of antimicrobial drugs, by developing and implementing guidelines and good practices, standards for data transmission on the use of antimicrobial medicines and drug residues in the environment, and ensuring availability of medicines with marketing authorisation; limiting the spread of drug-resistant microbes into the environment, by increasing treatment processes to larger wastewater treatment plants, improving quality assurance of domestic water and increasing the use of treated biodegradable waste; ensuring AMR monitoring and surveillance; increasing investment in science, diagnostics and other related areas; strengthening the integrated system for managing antimicrobial resistance and enhancing cross-sectoral and international cooperation. This Strategy also reflects on the reasons for the inappropriate use of antibiotics in veterinary and agricultural sectors, including intensive production system and economic interests. Thus, the Strategy identifies four main areas to improve the responsible use of antibiotics in agriculture and livestock sectors: awareness of antibiotics use; proper use of medicines and medicated feed for veterinary purposes; promotion of livestock health and biosecurity measures; assessment of AMR situation. Concerning environmental consequences of AMR, this Strategy mainly focuses on: the release of drug residues and drug-resistant microorganisms into the environment, the incorrect disposal of pharmaceutical products, presence of residues in aquaculture plants and aquatic environment, due to medicines that are often distributed with animal feed.
Estonie · 2025-01-01