RIVM participated in the Euregional Prevention Against Antibiotic Resistance and Infections 'EurHealth-1Health'  project. EurHealth-1Health focused on combating life-threatening infections caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms.  

Efforts must be targeted emphatically towards the occurrence of antibiotic resistance. This is only possible with the use of an integrated One Health approach. Humans, animals and the environment are interconnected and influence each other. Particularly with infectious diseases, it has become clear that there is a direct relationship between the health of people and animals. After all, problems with the same multidrug-resistant microorganisms and their respective antibiotic resistance occur in both human and animal populations. 

The use of antibiotics in people and animals leads to emissions of antibiotics and the potential reservoir of antibiotic resistance in sewage systems and surface water. Collaborations across borders and sectors are, therefore, essential. The governments of Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia and the Netherlands recognised this problem, and all three emphasised the importance of dealing with the issue. From 1 April 2016 – 30  March 2020, these regions have worked towards the prevention of antibiotic resistance and infections by multidrug-resistant microorganisms. This was done by focusing on intersectoral collaboration as part of different cross-border One Health initiatives. Human and veterinary medicine experts combined their expertise in this project in both countries, promoting cross-sector education and training and working towards maintaining and improving public health.

RIVM's Centre for Infectious Disease Control was involved in work packages 2,3,4,6, en 8. 

Funding

EU European Union (European Union ) INTERREG V A