Policy labs at KI continue to be popular. On Tuesday 27 August, it was time for the first lab of the autumn. The theme was Sweden and antibiotic resistance, with a focus on how research and evidence can influence policy at the highest level. This time, the policy lab was opened up to a slightly wider and more external audience, to provide an opportunity to network and share experiences with others.
Antibiotic resistance, or Antimicrobial resistance, is often called the 'silent pandemic'. The Public Health Agency of Sweden describes it as 'a serious and growing public health problem both in Sweden and globally' and the World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasises that 'antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the main threats to global public health and development'.
Sweden has a long tradition of being actively involved in the issue in international contexts. In September the issue will once again be discussed at a high-level meeting on AMR at the UN General Assembly. In many ways, AMR is a timely example of an issue where research and evidence can help drive difficult health policy issues in a positive direction.
Experienced panellists discussed the importance of continued efforts
This Policy Lab was held in a panel discussion format, moderated by Nina Viberg, Project Coordinator at the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health and former AMR Focal Point at the Ministry of Social Affairs. The panel included Gabriel Wikström, former Minister of Public Health, Health Care and Sport, Malin Grape, Sweden's AMR Ambassador, Helle Aagaard, Deputy Director of ReAct - Action on Antibiotic Resistance, Uppsala University and Anna Zorzet, Strategic Process Manager at the Centre for Health Crises and former Director of ReAct.
After Helle Agaagard first gave an introductory overview of policy work on antibiotic resistance over the past 20 years, the panellists shared their experiences. They talked about the work around the last high-level meeting held in 2016 and how research can be used to support policy making. Audience members, including Otto Cars, Professor of Infectious Diseases and founder of ReAct, also shared their experiences.
Despite many examples of good experiences, all agreed that more work is needed to bring research and policy together, especially in monitoring, developing indicators and establishing AMR as an aspect of sustainable development. In addition, work should be done more interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral, and with an understanding of the ever-changing rules of the game in global politics and health.
A networking opportunity for the participants
The fact that the invitation to the policy lab was extended beyond KI this time meant that the participants also included representatives from other universities, government agencies, civil society and the private. It made the policy lab an opportunity to network and create new contacts, something that seems to have been appreciated by many.
Policy Labs will continue to run in the autumn, but once again as a forum primarily for KI staff, with the aim of increasing knowledge and interest in public administration, decision-making and politics, science-based policy work and advocacy work. Visit the policy lab webpage or keep an eye out in KI-Nytt to see when the next policy lab will be held and what the theme will be.
