Antibiotic resistance poses a major global health threat. In Europe alone it is estimated that 33 000 people pass away each year due to antibiotic resistance. In Norway, this number is 69, but all use of antibiotics increases the risk of resistant bacteria developing.
Globally, the use of antibiotics in humans and agriculture is on the rise. The increase in use over the last decade has largely been driven by low- and middle income countries. Poor countries also face many problems that foster the emergence and spread of resistance, such as lack of quality health and veterinary services, poor surveillance and laboratory capacity, and poor market regulation.
The solution to the problem of antibiotic resistance can therefore not be the same everywhere. However, the historical case of Norway demonstrates how regulatory procedures can be used to limit market entrance and promote appropriate use simultaneously. This is illustrated by Bård Hobæk and Helsam’s Anne Kveim Lie and in their article Less Is More: Norwegian Drug Regulation, Antibiotic Policy, and the “Need Clause”.
