Tackling antimicrobial resistance: EU Member States must do more

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have accelerated the global development of bacteria and other microbes immune to drugs normally used to fight them. This phenomenon, known as “antimicrobial resistance”, can pose a serious danger to public health, as traditional treatments for various medical conditions are rendered ineffective.


A new report from the European Commission, following the Council Recommendation of 15 November 2001 on the prudent use of antimicrobial agents in human medicine, highlights key areas which need to be addressed by Member States to tackle antimicrobial resistance, in particular better infection control, reduced self-medication of antibiotics, and more information for citizens on the proper use of antimicrobial treatments.

The Council Recommendation called on national authorities to take action to contain the spread of antimicrobial resistance in the EU, by encouraging the more prudent use of antibiotics in humans. While the report recognises some good progress made by Member States in putting measures in place against antimicrobial resistance, notably improved surveillance of antibiotic use and resistance, and closer cooperation between different professionals on this issue, it states that more still needs to be done. It stresses that Member States need to develop and implement national strategies and action plans to tackle the problem of antimicrobial resistance, and there should be better exchange of good practice on issues such as vaccination campaigns, and hygiene and infection control.

Self-medication with antibiotics is still a problem in many Member States, according to the report, which is why a “prescription only” approach should be strictly enforced and educational activities are needed. The Commission suggests that all countries should have guidelines on appropriate antimicrobial treatment, at least for the most common illnesses, and that information and education available to citizens on antimicrobials should be improved. Public health institutions are strongly advised to step up infection control measures to counter the spread of “super-bugs” such as MRSA. Finally, the importance of international cooperation on antimicrobial resistance is emphasised due to the global nature of the problem. The Commission works closely with international partners such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) on this issue.

- More information on antimicrobial resistance on the EUROPA website

Source: RAPID Press Release IP/05/1688

Last modified on January 11 2006.