Today, the European Commission published two reports which demonstrate the need for further progress in the European Union on the issue of anti microbial resistance.

The first is a pan-European survey which reveals some worrying trends in public attitudes towards the use of antibiotics. For example,  53% of Europeans surveyed still believe that antibiotics are effective against viruses and,  of the 40% who claim to have taken antibiotics in the past year, over a third took them for a viral infection like a cold or the flu. The results indicate that citizens need more information on the correct use of antibiotics, even though 37% of respondents remember having received information on not overusing antibiotics in the last 12 months.

The second document is a progress report,  adopted today, on the 2002 Council Recommendation on the prudent use of antibiotics. The report shows that good progress has been made - for example most Member States now have in place systems to monitor antimicrobial resistance and use of antibiotics – and  stresses the importance of maintaining efforts to raise awareness amongst healthcare professionals and the public.

The Eurobarometer Report

The implementation report

European Antibiotic Awareness Day