Stakeholders are driving forward the implementation of the One Health Action Plan 2024 – 2027 of the Swiss Strategy on Antibiotic Resistance (StAR)
10.11.2025 - On 19 September 2025, a cross-sectoral stakeholder workshop was held in Bern as part of the Swiss Strategy on Antibiotic Resistance (StAR). Around 50 stakeholders from administration, research, and practice participated, representing the human health, animal health, agriculture, and environmental sectors. The focus was on implementing the StAR One Health Action Plan, adopted by the Federal Council in June 2024. The aim was to share experiences, exchange knowledge, and develop concrete solutions for future implementation.
In their joint welcome address, Anne Lévy, Director of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), and Laurent Monnerat, Director of the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO), emphasised the importance of responsible use of antibiotics and cross-sectoral cooperation. Anne Lévy emphasised that Switzerland is well on the way to achieving the StAR objectives. The current challenge is to embed the instruments developed as part of the strategy more consistently in practice. The revision of the Epidemics Act was cited as a significant step towards further strengthening StAR. Laurent Monnerat emphasised the progress made in veterinary medicine. Examples include the significant reduction in the use of antibiotics, which was achieved thanks to treatment guidelines and the recording of antibiotic consumption in the IS-ABV system. Both Anne Lévy and Laurent Monnerat stressed that the successes of the StAR strategy can only be built upon through joint action and mutual learning.
During the full-day event, participants worked in groups to develop concrete implementation steps for four key measures of the StAR One Health Action Plan:
- Benchmarking and feedback systems for antibiotic consumption by doctors and veterinarians: These systems raise awareness and foster learning processes regarding antibiotic use, but they require context-specific communication and comparable data.
- Further education and training: Peer learning formats strengthen exchange among specialists and build bridges between research and practice.
- Therapy guidelines and other guidelines: Clear, accessible, and practical guidelines are essential for the appropriate use of antibiotics and preventive measures. However, they must be continuously updated, maintained, and widely disseminated.
- Cooperation between the federal offices and the cantons: Further clarification is needed regarding responsibilities, legal foundations, and stable financing.
The workshop demonstrated that successful implementation of the StAR strategy depends on joint commitment, close cooperation, and open communication among a wide range of actors within and across sectors. Representatives from practice, research, administration, and policy – across human health, animal health, agriculture, and the environment – are making a decisive contribution to preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics for the future.