Tackling antimicrobial resistance and healthcare-associated infections: Event at the European Parliament, 17 November 2016

​Bacteria resistant to antibiotics are a growing global health threat with severe social and economic implications. Antibiotic use in hospitals is a major driver of the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria that are responsible for healthcare-associated infections. This is of great concern and a threat to patient safety in Europe. ECDC Acting Director Dr Andrea Ammon was a key note speech at the event, focusing on the burden of healthcare-associated infections and what can be done to prevent these infections and reduce their burden on European healthcare.

This event was one of many on the issue of antibiotic resistance and prudent antibiotic use during World Antibiotic Awareness Week, 14-20 November. Friday 18 November marked the 9th European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD).