Since their discovery, antibiotics have served as the cornerstone of modern medicine. However, the persistent overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human and animal health have encouraged the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance, which occurs when microbes, such as bacteria, become resistant to the drugs used to treat them.

On 18^th November the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) marked the European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD) with an event in Stockholm, in partnership with WHO’s World Antibiotic Awareness Week.

The event represents a platform for governmental institutions, professional and patient organisations, country representatives and media to come together and discuss the current situation regarding antibiotic resistance and the actions taken, both at EU/EEA and national levels.¹

World Antibiotic Awareness Week aims to increase awareness of global antibiotic resistance and to encourage best practices among the general public, health workers and policy makers to avoid the further emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance.

One of the key objectives of the plan is to improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance through effective communication, education and training.²