Nordic–Russian Cooperation on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Containment

This programme of Nordic-Russian Cooperation on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Containment is aimed at establishing a platform for exchange of information and expertise on AMR response in collection of updated and comparable data, public awareness, training of professionals, and controlling the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

The programme will facilitate professional contacts and networking between Nordic and Northwest Russian specialists, and assist and consult Russian authorities and professionals in development and implementation of local policies and interventions, which will contribute to the implementation of the national AMR strategy. The programme will be guided by the principle of equal and well-balanced partnership. 

The areas of action are:

• enhancing public awareness
• training of professionals
• coordinated surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial consumption
• controlling the spread of multi-resistant bacteria
• exchange of information, knowledge and best practices.

Background  

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has for decades been recognized as a growing global threat and a major public health problem. 

The major triggers of the AMR rise are: increased consumption of antimicrobial drugs at the global scale; inappropriate use of antimicrobials; spread through transmission of resistant bacteria at hospitals and in the community; slow progress in development of new antimicrobial drugs and trials to optimize use of existing antimicrobials. 

In May 2015, the World Health Assembly endorsed a global action plan to tackle antimicrobial resistance, which provides the framework for national action plans to combat antimicrobial resistance and sets out the key actions that the various actors involved should take to combat antimicrobial resistance.

The overall goal of the action plan is to ensure, for as long as possible, continuity of the ability to treat and prevent infectious diseases with effective and safe medicines that are quality-assured, used in a responsible way, and accessible to all who need them.

Russian-Nordic collaboration

Nordic-Russian Cooperation on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Containment will facilitate closer links and networking among Nordic experts and organisations, as well as promote professional linkage and networking among Russian specialists.

The Nordic countries are in the fore-front of the AMR response development and the One-Health approach is guiding their policies and interventions. Russia has started taking steps in this area of public health and the national AMR strategy was adopted in autumn 2017.

The Nordic countries, with over 20 years of experience in AMR control, have plenty of expertise and knowledge in various aspects of the AMR related problems to share with Russian professionals. 

The Nordic-Russian Cooperation on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Containment programme will support networking among Nordic experts and organisations, networking among Russian experts, and cooperation and networking between Russian and Nordic experts and organisations. This Programme is financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers.

Prevention and Health Promotion is one of the (seven) focus areas of cooperation between the Nordic Council of Ministers (NCM) and Northwest Russia.

Contact information

international(at)thl.fi