The European Union must take urgent and decisive action or risk missing its 2030 targets in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said on Monday.
"Between 2019 and 2023, antibiotic consumption in the European Union increased by 1%, thus moving away from the 20% reduction target recommended" by the EU, the ECDC wrote in a press release.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – antibiotics, antifungals and antiparasitics – poses a threat to public health, particularly for patients treated in hospitals, the agency emphasizes.
The organization cites the example of infections caused by the Klebsiella pneumoniae bacterium, the incidence of which increased by 60% between 2019 and 2023 and "for which very few therapeutic options are available to treat patients."
“To achieve the EU’s 2030 targets, a united and urgent response is needed across the EU to prevent antimicrobial resistance from compromising healthcare. This response is essential to protect patients and preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations,” said Dr. Pamela Rendi-Wagner, Director of the ECDC.
The agency recommends action in three directions: infection prevention and control, particularly through improved hand hygiene, prudent use of antimicrobials, and the development of new antimicrobials.
"Reducing antibiotic use requires more information and public awareness campaigns, complemented by social and behavioral interventions to prevent their unnecessary use," the ECDC said.
English 
French