Vision for Integrated Surveillance
Better coordination and comparability of AMR and AMU surveillance across Nordic countries.
The Nordic Advantage
The Nordic countries are uniquely positioned for integrated AMR and AMU surveillance because:
- All countries have established national frameworks coordinating AMR/AMU data collection across human, animal, and food sectors
- All systems adhere to EU guidelines and standards (EUCAST, EARS-Net, EFSA)
- Similar technical foundations - shared protocols, data structures, and interpretation methods
- Cultural and governmental similarities - universal healthcare, nationwide registries, evidence-based policymaking
- Exceptional genomic data density - 750%+ more bacterial genomic datasets per capita than the global average
What Integrated Surveillance Looks Like
The envisioned system incorporates:
- Coordinated sampling and AMR susceptibility testing from all One Health sectors
- Epidemiological, microbiological, and computational methods for cross-country comparison
- Standardised methodology essential for comparing data across countries and sectors
- Training activities to disseminate best practices among surveillance coordinators and researchers
- Broader awareness of AMR in society
Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Resource efficiency | Countries coordinate to avoid duplication and leverage strengths |
| Shared infrastructure | Common data systems, open analytical methods, harmonised reporting |
| Complementary coverage | Countries design complementary rather than overlapping surveillance |
| Early detection | Coordinated detection enables regional-level early action |
| Research enablement | Integrated datasets boost statistical power and facilitate collaboration |
Scalability
Although focused on five Nordic countries, this model offers a scalable template for other regions worldwide. By demonstrating harmonised data collection, multi-sectoral coordination, and One Health principles across national boundaries, it can inspire similar systems globally.