National One Health Strategy Against Antimicrobial Resistance 2024–2033
Plans/strategy | Date: 10/01/2025 | Ministry of Health and Care Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Ministry of Climate and Environment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing health challenges in the world. Without effective measures, this problem will only intensify for future generations. Efforts to combat AMR are more important than ever before, both in Norway and the rest of the world. The consequences of a lack of treatment options for infectious diseases are severe. Therefore, it has been a priority for us to launch a new National Cross-Sectoral One Health Strategy against AMR in 2024. The strategy paves the way for a comprehensive effort to combat AMR in the coming years.
The term One Health is now included in the title. This inclusion is meant to reinforce the message that efforts to combat AMR must take place across all sectors of society. The correlation between public health, animal health, plant health and the environment necessitates a One Health perspective on AMR. The strategy is also intended to serve as a link in the cross-sectoral planning and implementation of measures against AMR. Sector-specific action plans will be drawn up, where appropriate.
Compared to other countries, Norway is still in a relatively favourable position in terms of AMR. However, Norway is already experiencing the adverse effects of AMR. Therefore, the goal of the strategy is to harness new knowledge and lessons learned in order to reduce the risk of AMR increasing and developing into an intractable problem. It is crucial to limit disease and mortality caused by, or related to, AMR.
We need to continue our efforts to improve prescribing practices for antimicrobial agents, increase preventive efforts to reduce infections in humans, animals and plants and reduce the occurrence of healthcare associated infections. Knowledge about AMR and the factors that influence its development are crucial to implementing effective measures. Research, innovation and surveillance are therefore essential components of this strategy. The strategy also seeks to improve the Norwegian population’s knowledge about AMR, particularly among children and young people.
The efforts to combat AMR in Norway are inextricably linked to the situation in the rest of the world. Norway seeks to contribute to reducing AMR globally through international cooperation and assistance. Such efforts have both direct and indirect effects on AMR in Norway. It is necessary to strengthen international efforts across sectors from a One Health perspective. In addition to governments, multilateral organisations including the UN, WHO, WOAH, FAO and UNEP, the private sector, civil society, academia and other actors also play an important role.
The strategy establishes a foundation for both domestic and international efforts. These efforts are key to preserving, further developing and ensuring the availability of effective antimicrobial agents for future generations.