Currently, only a handful of countries have implemented strict measures to reduce antibiotic resistance.
However, a new study led by Peter Søgaard Jørgensen of the Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University reveals that global cooperation remains essential, but has more power than was believed to reduce antibiotic resistance through effective national interventions.
This study is the first to assess the level of government intervention required to improve the deterioration in antibiotic resistance situation in 73 countries.
Researchers found a strong association between the level of state-reported behavior and whether antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance increased during the 16 years of the beginning of the 21st century.
Measurements that reduce antibiotic resistance
This study compared the effects of self-reported levels of 73 countries along with changes in antibiotic resistance and use during the period 2000-2016.
Scientists then looked at how the level of behavior changed between 2016 and 2023, and saw whether the same countries still acted at the same level. Additional research is needed to assess the impact of action levels in 2023.
A wide range of measurements, including monitoring antibiotic use, improving hospital hygiene, modulating human health and overall livestock production, and investment in new treatment strategies, are likely to be required to reduce antibiotic resistance at the national level.
“Too often we hear that antibiotic resistance is an inevitable catastrophe beyond our control,” Jorgensen said.
“But our research tells a different story – one of hope and agency. If the country acts decisively, it can still make a difference.”
Which countries are leading prices?
This study shows that a small number of countries are leading the way and taking the necessary levels of action to ensure that they have a good chance of even reducing antibiotic resistance across the board.
In 2016, these countries were the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK. Six years later, in 2023, Japan, France, Malaysia and Denmark became the countries with the widest action.
Jorgensen explained: “Between 2016 and 2023, 76% of all countries analyzed, and 83% of low- and middle-income countries, reporting to strengthen their actions.”
All actions are important
The findings show that high levels of action are required to achieve a reduction in antibiotic resistance, but studies also find that even an increase in incremental action is important.
With each improvement in behavior, the magnitude of the increase in resistance decreases, and countries approach a decline in the level of resistance.
“The findings send a clear message to policymakers. It’s time to act. By taking evidence-based measures, governments can also help protect their citizens and contribute to the global battle against resistant infectious diseases,” concluded Jorgensen.
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