Countries Have More Power to Reduce Antibiotic Resistance than Previously Believed

Strategic Insights -

A new study led by Peter Sogaard Jorgensen from the Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University reveals that countries can reduce antibiotic resistance through effective domestic interventions, contrary to the prevailing notion that it is an "inevitable catastrophe beyond our control." The study assessed the level of government intervention needed to improve the situation on antibiotic resistance across 73 countries and found strong associations between the level of action a country reports and whether antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance increased during the 16-year period starting in the 21st century. The researchers found that a wide set of measures, including monitoring antibiotic use, improving hospital hygiene, and investing in new treatment strategies, are necessary to curb resistance at the national level.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that a handful of countries, including the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and UK in 2016, and Japan, France, Malaysia, and Denmark in 2023, are leading the way in taking necessary action to have a better than even chance to see reductions in resistance.
  • 76% of all analyzed countries, and 83% of low- and middle-income countries, reported an increase in action between 2016 and 2023.
  • The research indicates that high levels of action are needed to achieve reductions in antibiotic resistance, but even incremental increases in action can be important.
  • Every improvement in action can lead to a decrease in the magnitude of increases in resistance and bring countries closer to achieving a reduction in levels of resistance.
  • The study sends a clear message to policymakers: the time to act is now, and by taking evidence-based steps, governments can protect their citizens while contributing to the global fight against resistant infections.
  • The study highlights the importance of domestic interventions in reducing antibiotic resistance and the need for additional research to evaluate the effects of action levels in 2023.

Statistics:

  • 73 countries were assessed in the study.
  • 76% of all analyzed countries, and 83% of low- and middle-income countries, reported an increase in action between 2016 and 2023.
  • The study found strong associations between the level of action a country reports and whether antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance increased during the 16-year period starting in the 21st century.
  • Incremental increases in action can lead to a decrease in the magnitude of increases in resistance.

Sources:

  • Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University
  • OneHealthTrust
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Cornell University
  • University of Geneva
  • The GEDB programme at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
  • NewsRx LLC (2025)