Municipalities

Management level

Municipalities have a key role in creating commitment, providing inspiration and raising awareness for antimicrobial resistance. The criteria highlight important areas of interest for the municipalities to continue working with. This could include creating conditions that can prevent infections, raising awareness among citizens about antimicrobial resistance and reducing the release of antibiotics to the environment.

Example of criteria: Reoccurring awareness campaigns about antimicrobial resistance.

Currently, two municipalities throughout Sweden are piloting criteria, which will be evaluated during autumn 2023.

Care for the Elderly and Disabled

Persons who live in long-term care centres for the elderly or disabled can be sensitive to infections. Therefore it is of importance that there are well-functioning infection prevention and hygiene routines within these facilities. The criteria are intended to complement existing efforts, and by strengthening theses, infections can be prevented and antibiotic treatment can be avoided.

Example of criteria: Regular education and training for all staff in basic hygiene prodecures.

Nine long term elderly care centres throughout Sweden have tested the criteria and currently they are being evaluated.

Pre-Schools

Staff and children in pre-school environment are at risk of being exposed to infections. This does not only affect their health but can also spread infections to their friends and family as well as the rest of the society. By strengthening hygiene routines in pre-schools, infections can be prevented and antibiotic treatment can be avoided.

The criteria focus on informing about the spread of infections and procedures for preventing and managing them.

Example of criteria: Reoccurring educational infection prevention and control activities for children as well as systematic implementation of hygiene routines.

Currently, nine pre-schools throughout Sweden are piloting criteria, which will be evaluated during spring 2023.

Schools

To increase understanding of the major consequences of antimicrobial resistance we need to educate our children and young ones about bacteria, how infections can be prevented and how antibiotics works and its importance for treating bacterial infections.

The criteria for schools focus on antibiotic resistance as a supplement to regular teaching as well as further education for staff.

Example of criteria: Use educational materials and activities that provides in-depth knowledge about antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance within the biology curriculum.

Currently, three high schools and one elementary school throughout Sweden are piloting criteria, which will be evaluated during spring 2023.

Wastewater Treatment

The water and wastewater sector has potential to contribute with knowledge regarding the spread of antibiotics and antibiotic resistant microorganisms into the environment and to some extent prevent the spread. The criteria are designed to highlight important issues to prevent the spread of antibiotic substances and antibiotic resistant microorganisms in society. They include collaboration, measurements, sludge management, prevention of sewer overflow, creating knowledge by participating in research projects, and dialogue with industries upstream the wastewater treatment plant.

Example of criteria: measures levels of selected antibiotic substances as well as E.coli and Enterococci in outgoing water.

During 2022 five pilot activities throughout Sweden have tested the criteria and currently they are being evaluated.