Affiliations: Communicable Diseases, Health Security, and
Environment, WHO Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
Note: [] Correspondence: Dr Nienke van de Sande-Bruinsma, Communicable
Diseases, Health Security, and Environment, WHO Regional Office for Europe, UN
City, Marmorvej 51, DK-2100 Copenhagen $\emptyset$, Denmark. Tel.: +45
45336827; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: The impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is enormous, not only
through increased health care costs, but also loss of income and loss of lives.
As such, antimicrobial resistance is not only a medical issue, but also a
social and economic one. In addition, the emergence of AMR does not respect
borders, man-made or between animal species, therefore requiring an
international effort and a comprehensive or "One Health" approach [1].
This paper describes the efforts that are being taken at WHO Regional Office
for Europe to support countries in containing antibiotic resistance, based on
the 7 strategic objectives of the WHO European strategic action plan on
antibiotic resistance.
Keywords: National coordination of AMR, AMR surveillance, CAESAR, rational use of antibiotics, infection prevention and control (IPC), one health, innovation, awareness
