National Action Plan (NAP) on Antimicrobial Resistance 2025-2029.

Iceland’s National Action Plan (2025–2029) on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) recognises antibiotic resistance as a growing global health threat that could severely limit the treatment of infections, increase mortality, and impose major economic costs. Although resistance levels in Iceland remain relatively low compared to many countries, the government emphasises that resistant bacteria do not respect borders and require coordinated international action under a “One Health” approach integrating human, animal, food, and environmental health. The plan sets out six strategic actions supported by 24 objectives and 75 activities, with clear priorities, timelines, and indicators. These actions focus on prudent antibiotic use in humans and animals, education and infection prevention, improved surveillance and research (including whole genome sequencing), targeted intervention measures, strengthened international cooperation, and long-term coordination and governance.
The plan establishes measurable outcome targets for 2029, including a 20% reduction in antibiotic use in humans (compared to 2022), maintenance of very low resistance rates in key pathogens, increased vaccination coverage, and continued low antibiotic use in animals. Implementation is structured around priority levels and assigned responsibilities across ministries and agencies, with 44 of 75 activities classified as highest priority. The total estimated cost over five years is approximately 1.8 billion ISK, of which about 1.2 billion ISK represents additional funding needs. The government stresses that although the investment is substantial, preventing the spread of resistant bacteria will be far more cost-effective in the long term.