Published 14 June 2018
Antibiotics and Antimicrobial resistance
Bacteria that have developed resistance to antibiotics is a growing public health problem that causes increased morbidity and mortality. It also involves large costs for the health services, for example in the form of prolonged hospital stays and more expensive drugs.
The use of antibiotics is linked to both the emergence and spread of resistance. Therefore, it is important to use antibiotics rationally – only when needed and in the correct way.
Our tasks within the area of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance involve:
- working to preserve the ability to effectively use antibiotics against bacterial infections in humans and animals
- compiling and actively imparting knowledge to the health services, social services and to the general public on issues that concern antibiotic resistance
- participating in ensuring that prescribers, other concerned professional groups and the general public apply the knowledge available on antibiotic resistance
- promoting initiatives at local and regional level on issues related to antibiotic resistance
- drawing attention to issues that concern antimicrobial resistance other than antibiotic resistance, healthcare-associated diseases and infection control, within the field of activities of the Agency.