To the Nordic Delegation at the UN High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance

September 2024

On behalf of the Nordic Nurses’ Federation, which represents 340,000 dedicated nurses across our region, we are honoured to provide this written input for the upcoming UN High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). We commend the Nordic countries for their significant efforts and accomplishments in the fight against AMR, and we urge you to continue investing in nursing at national, regional, and global levels to combat this pressing threat.

The Nordic region has long been a leader in addressing AMR. Since the Bo Könberg report, "The Future Nordic Co-operation on Health," commissioned by the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2014, we have made notable progress. This includes the Nordic Council's 2015 challenge to the EU to combat antibiotic resistance, the Nordic Ministers' Declaration on AMR through a One Health perspective in 2015, the 12 concrete proposals for Nordic initiatives in the fight against antibiotic resistance in 2017, and the recent NordForsk announcement of funding for multisectoral and transdisciplinary research consortia.

Our region's unique approach, grounded in the One Health perspective, recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This approach is vital for effectively reducing the development and spread of AMR, which transcends borders and sectors, impacting public health, animal health, and food production worldwide.

AMR is now one of the leading causes of death globally, with drug-resistant infections compromising healthcare delivery, food security, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Nordic region has made significant strides, such as reducing antibiotic use in healthcare and livestock farming, but we cannot combat AMR alone. The upcoming UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR in 2024 is a critical opportunity for all leaders to address this threat collectively.

We urge global leaders to prioritize universal health coverage (UHC) in the response to AMR. Investing in equitable and resilient health systems is essential to ensure all people have access to preventive, diagnostic, and curative care delivered by well-trained and supported health professionals.

Primary healthcare is crucial in educating the public about the appropriate use of antimicrobials. A comprehensive, whole-of-society approach grounded in the One Health framework is imperative. We must unite human, animal, agricultural, and plant sectors through targeted actions, including improved hygiene and sanitation, equitable access to antimicrobial medications, judicious use of antibiotics, and national sustainability plans prioritizing antimicrobial stewardship.

Nurses and healthcare workers play a vital role in this battle. As frontline caregivers, nurses are central to patient care and interdisciplinary communication. They are key contributors to antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs), assessing and diagnosing infections, administering, and prescribing antimicrobials, monitoring treatment outcomes, providing vaccinations, and educating patients and communities. We fully support the leadership role of nurses in developing evidence-based ASPs, leading infection prevention and control (IPC) initiatives, and promoting best practices across healthcare settings.

The Nordic governments have a pivotal role in seizing the opportunity presented by this highlevel meeting. By making a firm commitment to UHC as part of AMR efforts, we can address one of the greatest health threats of our time, halt preventable AMR-related deaths, and preserve the progress made towards the SDGs. Limiting the emergence and spread of drugresistant pathogens is critical to maintaining the ability to treat diseases, ensuring food security, promoting economic development, and protecting the environment.

Nurses will continue to promote awareness, disseminate information, and collaborate with educational institutions to incorporate IPC and AMR education into nursing curricula. Together, we can sustain the effectiveness of antimicrobials, protect public health, and ensure a healthier future for all.