The Chief Epidemiologist has organized a seminar on November 18 2024

On the occasion of European Antibiotic Awareness Day, the Chief Epidemiologist has organized a seminar on antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on Monday, November 18th, from 13:00–15:00 at Landspítali University Hospital in Fossvogur, Blásalir (see agenda).

The maximum number of onsite participants is 50 but online participation via Teams is also possible. Please register before November 14th by email (@juliana.hedinsdottir@landlaeknir.is) and choose either onsite or online participation. A Teams link will be emailed to online participants prior to the meeting.

Antibiotic Use and Antimicrobial Resistance in Iceland

Various factors can contribute to increased antimicrobial resistance (AMR), but improper use of antibiotics is a key factor. In 2023, the total antibiotic sales for humans in Iceland was similar to the years 2019 and 2022. However, sales were significantly lower during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, according to the annual report. Approximately 90% of the total antibiotic sales for humans in Iceland are due to outpatient prescriptions. Antibiotic use in Iceland is higher than in other Nordic countries but is close to the average of EU/EEA countries.

ESBL/AmpC-producing bacteria are the most common type of notifiable antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Iceland. The number of notifications more than doubled between 2015 and 2019 but decreased in 2020–2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, the numbers rose again, with 500 ESBL/AmpC positive cases reported. Preventing further rise of AMR in Iceland is of the highest importance.

The Chief Epidemiologist

Further Information:

• Seminar program (Icelandic)

• Awareness Campaign on Antimicrobial Resistance

• Annual reports

• European Antibiotic Awareness Day (ECDC)

• World AMR Awareness Week (WHO)