Resistance in the NetherlandsAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem. Figures provided by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) show that resistance rates in the Netherlands are low compared to those in other European countries. This is partly because, in the Netherlands, you cannot obtain antimicrobials without a doctor’s prescription. As a result, the use of antimicrobials in the Netherlands is relatively limited. In addition, the healthcare system places great emphasis on effective hygiene measures. Show
One HealthWe know that bacteria in all parts of the world are becoming increasingly resistant to antimicrobials. This is why it is important to keep on fighting antimicrobial resistance. Resistant bacteria are found everywhere – in the healthcare system, in animals, in food, in the environment and in every country in the world. This calls for an integrated approach, also known as the ‘One Health’ approach. The Netherlands is taking steps in each of these important areas. Information about antimicrobial resistanceIf we are to protect ourselves against antimicrobial resistance, we need to know how often – and where – resistant bacteria occur, and if there are any trends in this regard. The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) systematically collects and analyses such information. We call this ‘surveillance’. This allows RIVM to track the use of antibiotics and the number of infections involving resistant bacteria in the Netherlands. For example, various laboratories help us by providing information about hospital patients and nursing home residents. Based on this information, we can see how often antimicrobials are being used, which bacteria occur where, whether the number of such cases is increasing or decreasing, and whether new bacteria are appearing. Click here for a summary of our surveillance studies. RIVM’s roleRIVM keeps track of the current state of affairs with regard to antimicrobial resistance in the Netherlands and advises the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport of its findings. In this regard, it is important for the parties tackling antimicrobial resistance to keep each other informed. Read more about the role of RIVM. International collaboration on antimicrobial resistanceResistant bacteria don’t care about international borders. This is why it is important to cooperate with other countries in fighting antimicrobial resistance. If we can reduce the numbers of resistant bacteria, the entire world will benefit. RIVM cooperates with other countries and shares any information it uncovers when tracking antimicrobial resistance. RIVM also helps others to use this information in specific operations to fight resistance. All international activities focus, to some extent, on work that is being done here in the Netherlands. RIVM focuses specifically on surveillance, AMR in the environment, and One Health. Click here for more information about international cooperation. You, too, can do something about antibiotic resistanceTo keep antibiotics effective for as long as possible, we must use them wisely (i.e. in the correct way, and not too often). If the body needs help to overcome a bacterial infection, doctors prescribe antibiotics. It is important to use them properly, to minimise any risk of resistant bacteria emerging. Imagine you develop an infection -- anything from a typical urinary tract infection to tuberculosis. Now imagine there's nothing doctors can do. The discovery of
antibiotics changed medicine in the 20th century. Today, they're widely used to treat infections caused by bacteria. More than 150 million prescriptions are written for antibiotics in the U.S. each year. But bacteria are starting to adapt to the drugs and are becoming
harder to kill. That's called antibiotic resistance. Some bacteria can naturally resist certain kinds of antibiotics. Others can become resistant if their genes change or they get drug-resistant genes from other bacteria. The longer and more often antibiotics are used, the less effective they are against those bacteria. Antibiotic resistance has spread around the world, and it's making some diseases, such as meningitis or pneumonia, more difficult to treat. You might need stronger, more expensive drugs. Or you might need to take them longer. You also might not get well as quickly, or you could develop other health issues. Each year, an estimated 2.8 million people in the U.S. develop infections that are resistant to antibiotics, resulting in deaths of more
than 35,000 people. Resistance also makes it more difficult to care for people with chronic diseases. Some people need medical treatments like chemotherapy, surgery, or dialysis, and they sometimes take antibiotics to help reduce the risk of infection. SolutionsIn 2020, the White House created a 5-year National Action Plan for Combatting Antibiotic Resistance. Its recommendations include:
What You Can DoTo help fight antibiotic resistance and protect yourself against infection:
What type of bacteria is resistant to antibiotics?Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
S. aureus are common bacteria that spread in healthcare facilities and the community. MRSA can cause difficult-to-treat staph infections because of resistance to some antibiotics.
What happens if an infection doesn't go away with antibiotics?In some cases, the antibiotic-resistant illness can lead to serious disability or even death. Resistance can happen if the bacterial infection is only partially treated. To prevent this, it is important to finish taking the entire prescription of antibiotics as instructed, even if your child is feeling better.
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What happens when bacteria becomes resistant to antibiotics
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