Sweden Unveils Ambitious New National Strategy to Combat Antibiotic Resistance

Sweden Launches Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Strategy

The Swedish government has introduced a new, ambitious national strategy designed to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a critical global health threat. Announced on November 17, 2025, by Minister for Social Affairs Jakob Forssmed, the strategy outlines 17 overall goals to be achieved over the next decade, marking a significant escalation in Sweden's long-standing efforts against the 'silent pandemic' of AMR.

Minister Forssmed emphasized the urgency of the situation, describing antibiotic resistance as 'one of the biggest and most underestimated threats of our time'. While Sweden currently maintains a relatively favorable position with low antibiotic use and resistance levels compared to many other European Union countries, the problem is global and increasing, necessitating proactive and comprehensive measures.

A 'One Health' Approach to a Global Challenge

Central to Sweden's new strategy is the continued adoption of a broad, cross-sectoral 'One Health' approach. This integrated perspective recognizes that antibiotic resistance spreads across humans, animals, food, and the environment, requiring coordinated action from all relevant sectors.

The strategy involves a wide array of stakeholders, including:

• Human health care
• Animal health care
• Environmental sector
• Academic research and industry
• Government agencies and organizations

This collaborative framework, led by the Public Health Agency of Sweden and the Swedish Board of Agriculture, ensures that efforts are harmonized across various ministries and agencies.

Key Objectives and Measurable Targets

The overarching goal of the strategy remains to preserve the possibility of effective treatment of bacterial infections in humans and animals. To achieve this, the new plan introduces several specific, time-bound targets:

• A maximum of 250 antibiotic prescriptions per thousand inhabitants per year in outpatient care by 2035.
• A reduction of healthcare-associated infections by one-third.
• Maintaining childhood vaccination coverage at or above the current level of 95 percent to prevent infections.
• Enhancing public awareness regarding responsible antibiotic use and the importance of completing prescribed courses.
• Improving diagnostic precision to ensure the correct antibiotics are used more quickly.

These targets underscore a clear preventive focus, building on Sweden's history of strong local commitment and evidence-based guidelines.

International Leadership and Continued Commitment

Sweden has long been a leader in international efforts against AMR, actively supporting initiatives by organizations such as the WHO, FAO, and OIE. The new strategy reaffirms Sweden's commitment to maintaining this leadership role, aligning its national efforts with global commitments under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Swedish Policy for Global Development. The nation aims to serve as a model for containment of antibiotic resistance through continued engagement and advocacy on the international stage.